How to Change the Background Color in MS Excel

1. Select the cell or cells in which you wish to change the background color. In Excel 2007, click on the 'Home' tab to view the 'Home' ribbon.
2. Click on the arrow next to the paint bucket icon in the 'Font' section. This is the 'Fill Color' button. In Excel 2003, the paint bucket icon is located in the 'Formatting' toolbar. This toolbar is typically located just above the actual spreadsheet and under the main menu.
3. Select the color you want from the menu that appears. If the color you want is not in the menu, click on 'More colors.' Under the 'Standard' tab you can select from a larger array of colors. Or, under the 'Custom' tab you can enter in the RGB values for your custom color.
4. Click the 'OK' button to apply the background color to the selected cells.