How to Change Background Color in Microsoft Excel
- George Apostolov
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How to Change Background Color in Microsoft Excel: step-by-step guide
Press Ctrl + A or click the square between the column and row headers to select all cells.
In the ribbon, click the Home tab and locate the Font group.
Click the Fill Color icon and select a color from the palette or choose More Colors for additional options.
Quick answer: To change the background color in Microsoft Excel, select all cells using the keyboard shortcut or header corner. Navigate to the Home tab in the ribbon, locate the Font group, and click the Fill Color icon to choose your desired color from the palette or options.
About this Microsoft tutorial
Modify sheet backgrounds in Microsoft by selecting all cells, opening the Home tab, and choosing a fill color from the palette. This guide shows how to change Background Color in Microsoft Excel in 3 steps, starting with "Press Ctrl + A or click the square between the column and row headers to select all cells" and finishing with "Click the Fill Color icon and select a color from the palette or choose More Colors for...". The interactive demo above is a click-through copy of the real Microsoft interface, so you can rehearse each step before doing it in your own account.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does it take to change Background Color in Microsoft Excel?
3 steps. Each one is listed in order above, and the demo highlights exactly where to click.
Can I try it without changing my own account?
Yes. Clicking through the demo doesn't touch your Microsoft data or settings. Once you know the flow, repeat it in your own workspace.
This tutorial is filed under Microsoft and Excel. Related guides: How to change case in microsoft excel, How to Change Cell Color Based on Value Microsoft Excel and How to Change Currency in Microsoft Excel. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
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