Space. The REPT is a simple in-cell bar chart. I think I'd be more likely to use data bars in conditional formatting before I used the REPT function, but both work.

Alan Winegar said
What is the difference between using REPT function and using the bar chart, and why would you use the REPT function over the bar chart.  

I recently used the REPT function in my table that I was created for a report.  The bar chart would be external to the table.  The bar chart and the REPT function both are great ways to present the data.  REPT function I would use if single chart is needed, Bar Chart would be nice in a dashboard.

Tony

I think of the REPT function as being similar to the sparklines feature. It just depends on what visualization is appropriate for your project. Is it more appropriate to show your data purely with a visual? If so then a dedicated chart might make more sense. Or do you just want to throw in a visual on the side to give your numbers a little more pop, and make any outliers stand out more? If so then a REPT function might be better.

Just adding to what JoAnn says - It is comparatively little quick & is used for small bite-sized data visualization. Should you wish go through some different In-Cell charts, you may follow the below link

http://peltiertech.com/Excel/Charts/InCellFormulaCharts.html

Alan,

attached you will find a simple example, showing both methods:

• Column E,F with REPT, Column G,H with data bars and conditional formatting.
• Column D is also done with REPT but with different symbols for 'done' and 'open'.

Regards

Bernd Frassek

Hi,

It is strange that no one remark that a horizontal bar chart is more appealing than repeating a symbol. Also the chart gives more info about how the thinks relate. 

My experience is that managers want a nice looking graph.

take care,

Joepy

Hi Joepy,

The nice thing about an in-cell bar chart or data bars is that you can easily align them to cells containing other information relevant to the series, where as this is not so easy to do and maintain with a chart object which floats above the grid.

Mynda