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Spread Sparklines

Spread sparklines are compact charts that display how data points are distributed along a scale. Each mark or dot represents a single value along a horizontal (or vertical) axis. These sparklines help reveal concentration, gaps, and variability in a dataset.

When to use spread sparklines​

  • Visualizing data variation: Show how values are distributed across a range to identify trends, outliers, or gaps.
  • Comparing high and low ranges: Highlight the spread between minimum and maximum values to assess consistency or volatility.
  • Tracking performance by category: Display value distributions across groups or time periods in a compact format.

Create a spread sparkline​

  1. On the Insert tab, select Sparklines.
  2. Under Scatter Sparkline, select Insert Spread Sparkline. The Create Sparklines dialog opens.
  3. In Data Range, select a continuous range of cells (in the same row or column).
  4. In Location Range, select the cell where the sparkline will appear.
  5. Click Ok. The sparkline is inserted into the selected cell.

Edit a spread sparkline​

  1. Select the spread sparkline in your workbook.
  2. On the Sparkline tab, select Settings. The SpreadSparkline Setting dialog opens.
  3. Set the parameters, then click Ok.
  4. Copy and paste the sparkline cell to duplicate the configuration in another location, as needed.

Spread sparkline parameters​

The spread sparkline formula supports the following format:
=SPREADSPARKLINE(points, showAverage?, scaleStart?, scaleEnd?, style?, colorScheme?, vertical?)

ParameterDescription
PointsDefines the range of cells containing values, such as A1:A4. Invalid or empty values are treated as 0.
StyleDefines the visual style of the sparkline. Options include:

  • Stacked – Lines drawn from center outward.
  • Spread – Dots drawn from center outward.
  • Jitter – Dots placed randomly.
  • Poles – Lines drawn across the full width (default).
  • StackedDots – Dots drawn from one side to another.
  • Stripe – Uniform-length lines.
ScaleStart(Optional) Sets the minimum boundary, such as 8 or A7. If omitted, the minimum value in the dataset is used.
ScaleEnd(Optional) Sets the maximum boundary, such as 9 or A8. If omitted, the maximum value in the dataset is used.
ColorSchemeSets the color of the sparkline marks. Default is #646464.
ShowAverage(Optional) Displays a marker for the average value when selected.
Vertical(Optional) Display the sparkline vertically when selected.