Adding arrows in Excel 2013 is a great way to highlight important data, show direction, or visually enhance your spreadsheet. Whether you want a simple line arrow, a shape arrow, or an arrow inside a chart, Excel gives you several easy options. This guide explains everything in a clean, SEO-friendly, and beginner-friendly style.
Why Use Arrows in Excel?
Arrows can help you:
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Point out key values or cells
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Illustrate trends in charts
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Create flowcharts or process diagrams
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Make complex sheets easier to understand
Now let’s look at the different ways to insert arrows in Excel 2013.
Method 1: Insert an Arrow Using Shapes
This is the most common and flexible method.
Step-by-Step:
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Open your Excel 2013 workbook.
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Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon.
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Click Shapes.
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Under the Lines or Block Arrows category, select the arrow style you want.
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Click and drag on the worksheet to draw the arrow.
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Use the Format tab to change the color, outline, or size.
Bonus Tip:
Use the yellow adjustment handle (if available) to stretch or reshape the arrow’s head.
Method 2: Insert an Arrow Inside a Cell
If you want the arrow inside a cell, not floating above it, you can use Excel’s symbols.
How to Do It:
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Select the cell where you want the arrow.
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Go to the Insert tab.
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Click Symbol.
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Choose a font like Arial, Wingdings, or Segoe UI Symbol.
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Scroll to find arrow characters → ↑ ↓ → ← ↔ ↕
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Click Insert, then Close.
Why Use This Method?
Perfect for simple indicators like up/down arrows in dashboards or status tables.
Method 3: Use Conditional Formatting Icon Sets
Excel can automatically show arrows based on your data.
Steps:
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Select the data range.
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Go to the Home tab.
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Click Conditional Formatting.
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Choose Icon Sets → Directional Arrows.
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Excel will show up, down, or sideways arrows depending on the values.
Best For:
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Financial sheets
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KPIs
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Trend comparisons
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Performance reports
Method 4: Add Arrows in Excel Charts
If you want arrows directly on a chart, you can overlay them as shapes.
How to Add:
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Click anywhere on your chart to select it.
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Go to Insert → Shapes.
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Choose an arrow and draw it on top of your chart.
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Format it using the Drawing Tools to adjust color and thickness.
Uses:
Highlight peaks, drops, trends, or important points.
Tips to Make Your Arrows Look Professional
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Use consistent colors across your sheet
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Keep arrow sizes proportional
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Avoid clutter—use arrows only when needed
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Use bold colors like green, red, or blue for emphasis
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Align arrows with cells using the arrow keys for precision
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to insert an arrow in Excel 2013 gives you more control over your spreadsheet’s design and clarity. Whether you’re creating a report, dashboard, tutorial, or data analysis, arrows help guide readers’ attention exactly where you want it.