When applying Conditional Formatting, what is the purpose of "icon sets"?

The purpose of "icon sets" in Conditional Formatting is to represent data with visual icons. This feature allows users to visually interpret the data at a glance, as various icons can indicate different ranges or thresholds of data values. For instance, an icon set might include arrows, traffic lights, or star ratings to signify performance levels, trends, or categories.

Using icon sets helps enhance the readability of the data, making it easier to identify patterns and differences without needing to analyze raw numbers directly. Each icon can correspond to a specific value range, providing immediate visual feedback on the data status, which is particularly useful in dashboards and reports where visual representation aids in decision-making.