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Google Sheets · Verified tutorial

Apply alternating colors in Google Sheets

Apply alternating colors to the complete table A1:D5, including the header row. Use any built-in alternating-colors style.

Verified by JosephineJuly 25, 2026About 60 seconds

Quick answer

Apply alternating colors to the complete table A1:D5, including the header row. Use any built-in alternating-colors style.

Step-by-step

1

Select the targetApply alternating colors to the complete table A1:D5, including the header row.

2

Apply the changeUse any built-in alternating-colors style.

Shortcut or faster method

Select the full target range first. This avoids repeating the same change cell by cell.

Expected result

A1:D5 has an alternating-colors banding rule.

Common mistake

Starting with the wrong cell or range selected.

Troubleshooting

Re-select A1:D5 and repeat the final action. A1:D5 has an alternating-colors banding rule.

Example spreadsheet data

This is the clean fixture used for the verified run.

Order	Customer	Country	Total
1001	Lena	Spain	210
1002	Mika	Finland	185
1003	Noah	Canada	325
1004	Ava	Ireland	260

Video transcript

Open the prepared Practice spreadsheet.
Select the target. Apply alternating colors to the complete table A1:D5, including the header row.
Apply the change. Use any built-in alternating-colors style.
A1:D5 has an alternating-colors banding rule.