Here are some alternative symbols you could use which look a bit better
than CHAR(12) in Arial:

CHAR(7) - filled circle
CHAR(8) - filled rectangle with hollow circle
CHAR(17) - filled triangle
CHAR(129) - slimmer rectangle than char(12)

You only need to set the colour of the original formula to red once
(when you type it in), then copy down - all of the "bar charts" will
appear red.

Hope this helps.

Pete