Comments on: Excel conditional formatting formulas based on another cell

This tutorial explains how to use Excel formulas to format cells and entire rows based on the values you specify or based on another cell's value, and provides a handful of formula examples. Continue reading →

Comments page 15. Total comments: 1709

  1. Hi,
    I have coded column starting from cell A3:A56 with one or more text for each cell from another column starting from the cell B6:B71. I have changed the background color for each of the cells with a distinctive color and the same text for each cell in the column B6:B71. I would like to match any of the cell in the column A3:A56 that contains the same text in column B6:B71 with its color. At the moment the cells from the column A3:A56 have no background color(white). What sort of conditional rule should I apply in column A3:A56 that can use the color of the cell that contains the same text from column B6:B71

    1. Unfortunately, it is technically impossible for Excel to use colors as formula components or conditions. This can be achived with the help of VBA only.

      As a workaround, you may use the conditions you set for the conditional formatting as the conditions for your formula. That should work.

      Please check out this article, I beloeve you'll find this information helpful

  2. I want F2 to be formatted based on a check cell C2 and then H2 and I2. In basic terms, If "(F2(value) + H2(value) + I2(value)) = C2(value)" is true, cell should be formatted. If false format wouldn't apply and there is already a rule for if F2 and C2 aren't equal.

  3. Hi,
    Found do I apply a conditional format for the difference between 2 numbers.
    I want to Highlight if the difference is less than 10 or less than 5.
    EG
    A1 is 10 less than A2 show as red, if it is 5 less than show as green.

    A1 100 A2 120
    thanks,
    Glenn

    1. Hello Glenn!
      You'll need to set the conditional formatting rule for cell A1 with the following formula applied:
      =$A$2 - $A$1<10
      And choose red as a color to fill the cell with.

      Then add one more rule to the same cell with another formula:
      =$A$2 - $A$1<5
      Green will be the color for this condition.

      I hope this is exactly what you need.

  4. Hello Svetlana Cheusheva!
    There is a great example for your expertise on Conditional Formatting sorted data!
    Hopefully its a simple overlooked solution for a large number of readers that can create more new traffic on your site with your response.

    The formula for formatting is written for the top-left cell and works great through the range but as soon as the data is sorted A-Z or Z-A, the conditional formatting for the rest of the range acts irrationally. Formatting of the rows are changed to the incorrect condition.
    (Sheet description is summarized below).
    Is this an example of troubleshooting step #3 "Write the formula for the top-left cell."?
    If so, how is formula conditional formatting achieved with data that will be frequently sorted?

    Please contact (via your preference) if there is a solution for this. Feel free to use this obstacle as new feed for your page for your audience with your solution. Hopefully it is beneficial for your goals.

    Thank you
    Pablo Vazquez

    PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

    Project names are listed on column A.
    Corresponding dates of the projects are listed on columns B through D (Start date 1, Start date 2, and End Date 3).
    Presentation dates of each project are listed on column F.
    Rows are conditionally formatted based on the condition if a given date on Column F falls within which start date and end date from column B through D.

    For example: If Project 1A (cell A1) with a presentation date of 1/31/2020 (cell F1) falls between Start date 1 (B1) and End date 1 (D1); therefore Row 1 highlighted green.
    If Project 1A (cell A1) with a presentation date of 2/28/2020 (cell F1) falls between Start date 2 (C1) and End date 1 (D1); therefore Row 1 highlighted orange.

    Once sorted A-Z by project names/numbers or start dates or presentation dates, the rows that are supposed to be highlighted green are either not highlighted or highlighted orange. Vice-versa with rows supposed to be highlighted green.

  5. I'm making a March Madness pool sheet. I would like it to be fully automated, other than updating round by round winner & losers. I have a source sheet (Teams tab) with all teams in tournament in column B cells 4-67, and corresponding columns C, D, E, F, G, H cells 4-67 to assign round 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 results. I have a destination sheet (Participants tab) with all participants names, picks and final four teams. I have everything figured out except: How can I conditionally format Participants tab cells for final four picks to change format when that team loses, based on entry in one of the rounds columns for said team in Teams tab changes state?

  6. Hi,
    I'm trying to highlight rows where the date is greater than 6 months and using this formula that I googled.
    =$G2<=EDATE(TODAY(),-6)
    It works well and highlights the rows that I need it to, but then it is also highlighting the row if column G is blank. How do I stop it doing this?

    I've tried adding the format cells that only contain Blank, but then the rest of the row is still highlighted.

    Are you able to give me any suggestions?

  7. hi
    i have excel calendar. column (A) have date and Column (B) days and colomn (C) notes. when change the month or year dates and days changes but in coloumn (C) entered notes still remain. pls help how i can clear that notes when i change the month or year. pls

  8. I want to validate one sheet contains all the information exactly like the second sheet, and when they done the area is highlighted.

  9. I need help setting conditional formatting in a column, where if any of the values equals to "A", "B" or "C" colour the cell green. I've tried the following that didn't work.
    Cell Value/Formula = OR ("A","B", "C")
    Cell Value/Formula = OR ($G:$G="A",$G:$G="B", $G:$G="C")

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  10. Hi
    I have copy-pasted a data from another program to Excel. The cell value shows number only, but the format of this cell contains the category of Custom formatting.
    i.e The cell value is 5, but the display is 5 Dr ( Debit value in accounting).Format of this cell shows "0.00"Dr".
    Similarly some other cells contain Cr (Credit value in accounting),Format of this cell shows "0.00"Cr".
    My question is if I want to sort or apply conditional formatting to these values which contains Cr and Dr value, what is the method?

  11. Dear Sir
    I have 2 column Ordered Qty and Received Qty for this i wANT TO SEE IN ONE COLUM i want to get answer Received or Pending kindly help me

    1. Hi Ronald
      I believe you are looking for this: =IF(B22>=1,"Received","Pending")
      Where "B22" will be the cell (value) under Qty Received.
      However, you can also use:
      =IF(B22>=A22,"Received","Pending") Where "B22" is the Qty Ordered, "A22" is Qty Received. If number of items received is less than the amount ordered, it will stay on pending, until updated to reflect all items received.

  12. I'm looking to highlight dates that are before today (using the "TODAY()" function) but only where the "Status" column is NOT "Complete".

    So in column G I have all the end dates of our projects, starting in row 3 (G3) and in column E I have the status of each project, again starting in row 3 (E3). The statuses in column E are:
    Complete
    In Progress
    Not Started
    Cancelled
    Overdue
    On Hold
    "BLANK"
    What I need is for column G to have highlighted all dates that are before todays date "<TODAY()" but will not highlight when column E displays "Complete". However it needs to be highlighted when column E displays any other value.

    What would be the best formula for this?

  13. I need to make a formula using less than or greater than ?????
    EG. 1-30 minutes = full rate ( make the cell green)
    31 to 40 minutes = -10%(subtract)(make the cell amber)
    41 to 50 minutes = -25%(subtract) make the cell purple)
    51+minutes = -100% (subtract) make the cell red

  14. I am trying to sort out a conditional formatting issue using multiple cells, The current formula I have entered is (=$X$2="SS4 1") which works exactly how I want it to on Cell X2, however I want the rule applied to multiple cells and anyway I have tried it doesn't work. I want it to apply to the following range of cells, ($X$2:$FK$2="SS4 1") I have tried entering like that and it doesn't work I'v tried entering like this (=$X$2+$AA$2+$AD$2+$AG$2+$AJ$2+$AM$2+$AP$2+$AS$2+$AV$2+$AY$2+$BB$2+$BE$2+$BH$2+$BK$2+$BN$2+$BQ$2+$BT$2+$BW$2+$BZ$2+$CC$2+$CF$2+$CI$2+$CL$2+$CO$2+$CR$2+$CU$2+$CX$2+$DA$2+$DD$2+$DG$2="SS4 1") and ive tried entering like this (=$X$2,$AA$2,$AD$2,$AG$2,$AJ$2,$AM$2,$AP$2,$AS$2="SS4 1") obviously I have not selected all cells in the last two examples but just wanted to show how I was entering it using + or , and still nothing. Please help.

  15. Hi,
    I have a sheet which is adding up data using sumif. The default is 0, due to no data to add. As data is added, I'd like to be able to differentiate the 0 as nothing matches from the data adds to 0. I thought this may be possible with conditional formatting, but am unable to work this out. Is there a way?
    Thanks.

  16. Hi
    I want to find a date in column L8: L3500 that corresponds to the value in E3 picked from column D8: D3500 (found by formula = MIN (D8: D3500). Which formula do I use? Thanks in advance for your help.

  17. Hi. I am trying to change the color of an empty cell in the first column of my table if columns f2 and w2 have the same value and if column e2 has the number 4390001 in it. I want the empty column to highlight red. I can get it to do it, but it is not highlighting in the right cell. It is one off on some and others it highlights a bunch without reason. This is the formula I have gotten to. =W2:W21617=F2:F21617=(E2:E21617="4390001") Please help!

  18. I want to conditionally format cells which has value less than Normal Range Males More than 13.6; Females More Than 11

    SN WN EN Sex Hb.
    1 3755 11098 M 16.5
    2 3756 11140 M 14.6
    3 3757 11153 M 14.7
    4 3758 10005 M 12
    5 3759 10166 F 9
    6 3760 10197 M 16.6
    7 3761 11149 M 12.7
    8 3762 0 F 10.2
    9 3763 10112 M 16.6
    10 3764 11123 M 13.6
    11 3765 10040 M 13.8
    12 3766 10195 F 10
    13 3767 11082 M 11.6
    14 3768 10117 M 13.9
    15 3769 10171 M 16
    16 3770 10025 M 14
    17 3771 11127 M 15.4
    I tried your formulas. It did not work. I don't know what mistake I am making.

  19. I have a table that I would like to apply conditional formatting to one row (lets call it column G). Column G contains the number of days away from start date (can also be a negative number if start date has passed). Another column (Column H) contains a percentage ranging from 0% to 100%, indicating the percentage of the task completed. I would like Column G to have conditional formatting that colors the cell as follows:
    Red - if Column G is less than 0 and Column H is less than 100%
    Yellow - if Column G is between 0 and 7 and Column H is less than 100%
    Green - if Column H is 100%
    Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

  20. I have a drop down with the word CXL in it. How do I make other cells that I want to turn red when this is selected. The selected cells will contain diffrent data and can be anything from words to numbers.

  21. Sir,
    I am trying to format my datasheet on the criteria based on only three types of values in an entire table (a range of cells). If one cell contains "A1" then it should be green background. If other cell contains "B1" then all cells that contains B1 should be color as yellow. And lastly, if other cells contains "C1" then it should be Red of all cells that containts C1.

    Please Help

  22. I am trying to conditionally format a data set based on a specific cell. I have data from A3:G78 and I want to highlight rows if AA3 is not blank. I have tried including the cell in the data, I've tried "=isblank($AA$3)=false", "=$AA$3""". Nothing seems to work. Any suggestions?

  23. Hi, I have some data in excel and this data is alpha numerical ( GST TIN) how Can I used conditional formatting for strikethrough for only 15 alpa numerical digit because GST TIN is only 15 digit.

  24. Was curious as to how would you go about finding duplicates in two different columns, then highlighting those matches based on a 3rd column's data, ex: I want to match two lists of sites, and find the duplicates once those are found I want to highlight sites on one of the columns based on a value on a 3rd column, thanks! Great post by the way.

  25. I have different data arranged in the same data array that runs from A1 to BQ158 on multiple sheets. I would like to highlight cells on Sheet 2 if the value on Sheet 1 is greater than a set number (e.g., 30). For example, I want Cell C100 on Sheet 2 to be highlighted if the value in C100 on Sheet 1 is greater than 30. I need all cells from A1 to BQ158 to be checked in a similar fashion across 5 different sheets. Is there a way to quickly do this so that each cell is checked with the same corresponding cell on another page. Thanks

  26. There are at least a third of the sales in a row painted yellow.

  27. Sir, in excel sheet one row contains 50 columns. I wand to check the cells with numbers greater than zero. Kindly send a formula. Also I need suggestion to check all rows in that sheet.

    1. Sir, send me a formula for conditional formatting for Blank and No Blank cells.

  28. Hi. I am trying to set a the background colour behind a pivot table. I have found a thread which used conditional formatting [Cell Value] [equal to] [=""""] and then selecting the colour... but I can't get it to work, is there another way to have a background colour on my dashboard which ensures that the colour remains when the pivot table is filtered

  29. I am trying to create a conditional formating for a report I generate for my team to compare 2 different cells and highlight when the two values are different by +/- 20%. I am not sure if this is possible based on everything I am finding though. Any recommendations or suggestions on the formula or where to look?

  30. Apologies for the duplication. There was an omission in the earlier post. this is the correct version. Thank you. I am working on a particular cell, say B11 that is to return or retain entered value based on conditions in cells F5 (Kings and Queens) and B7 (Low, Medium and High. when I enter a figure in this cell (B11) between 90 and 20 which are grades say 98, it must return 90 and 20 when I enter any figure below 20, say 17 when F5=Queens and B7=High. But when I enter 77, it returns 77. If F5=Queens and B7= Medium, I want to enter a figure in this cell between 60 and 15. If I enter 12, it must return 15 and if 65, must enter 60 in B11, but if I enter 48, it retains 48. Lastly, if F5=Kings and B7= Low, Medium or High, it must enter 20 no matter the figure I enter in B11. Can I use a single formula for each condition or combined into a single formula? I don't want to use a vba. Thank you

  31. I am working on a particular cell, say B11 that is to return or retain entered value based on conditions in cells F5 (Kings and Queens) and B7 (Low, Medium and High. when I enter a figure in this cell (B11) between 90 and 20 which are grades say 98, it must return 90 and 20 when I enter any figure below 17 when F5=Queens and B7=High. But when I enter 77, it returns 77. If F5=Queens and B7= Medium, I want to enter a figure in this cell between 60 and 15. If I enter 12, it must return 15 and if 65, must enter 60 in B11, but if I enter 48, it retains 48. Lastly, if F5=Kings and B7= Low, Medium or High, it must enter 20 no matter the figure I enter in B11. Can I use a single formula for each condition or combined into a single formula? I don't want to use a vba. Thank you

  32. Anyone? I would like to know if what i have in mind is possible
    I have a names on column A
    then b2:ab2 contains the dates for the whole month
    I would like to automatically highlight days of the week based on names on column A
    Example: if a3="Raymond", then highlight cells on row 3 which falls under thursdays and fridays based on cells b2:ab2(they contain the dates. ex Mar01, Mar02, Mar03...)

  33. Select Cell F21
    In conditional formatting, click on new rule.
    Select "use a formula to determine which cells to format"
    =$F$21>(0.02*$B$21)
    Format with the Format button
    Click OK

  34. I am trying to format a cell to return 0 if the number is less than 10 and return the exact number if equal or greater than 10. How do I go about it?

    1. =if(a1<10,0,a1)
      but that formula should be in another cell, ie: enter this in cell b1

  35. I'm trying to conditional format a cell based on the value of another cell. For example, Cell C2 is 50. I want C3 to show Q if greater than or equal to 50 and U if not. I thought I could use =IF(C2>=50, Q, U) but it doesn't work. What am I missing?

    1. You're just missing the "".
      If you want to enter a text from your formula, you should always have "".
      =if(c2>=50,"Q","U")

  36. I am trying to create the following conditional format: =IF(G5=100%,"COMPLETE") so when the % value reaches 100%, the cell will change to complete?

  37. Hello to every one!
    hope so you are good. I am not so so much good in excel but i have some issue.any expert who can help me will be highly appreciable.i tried my best to clear my point

    I have two workbook. in first workbook the name of sheet "sheet1". now data is as below: three columns a b and c
    a b c
    f01 0 1
    f02 8 9
    f03 7 0
    f04 10 6
    f05 5 5
    f06 3 0
    f07 8 7
    f08 0 0
    f09 8 6
    f10 0 0
    upto to f50.... i:e a column have values upto f1 to f50. colm ba nd c have numeric values which are may be zero.

    the second work book have data as below:they have only two column a and b:
    a b
    f05 ?
    f04 ?
    f08 ?
    f10 ?
    f15 ?
    f16 ?
    f20 ?

    1.now i want formula on question mark ins second workbook which is that it get value from fist workbook which is greater then zero(remember c column in first workbook is 1 and b is zero so it also should pick it...i:e greater then 0)matches the exact a column.

    2.And the second condition is which i m facing problem that value and also very important which is the formula picks all the values (a column only) from first work book which have only value greater then zero weather in column b or column c except it shouldn't get the value which contain both the 0.

    i know these are basically two different scenarios. it is possible that both scenarios work in one formula?? if yes then it will be good for me but if not then help in second scenario.

    waiting for your kind response.

    Advance Thank you!

  38. a please tell me is there any option in conditional formatting or elsewhere to insert or add a circle while value is true..........

  39. I am trying to create a conditional format based on a date calculated from a date in a different cell

    so lets say i need a patient to get a test on a specific date prior to the date in B1 06/08/2019. the date of test cell D1 is formulated (=B1-7*20) then in cell E1 has “done” typed cell D1 turns green. But if the date in cell D1 has passed and “done” is not typed in E1 then the cell turns red.

    I am just having a heck of a time because the conditional formatting doesn’t recognize the formula in D1 as a date thus it wont change.

  40. Hi,
    How to use If(isblank) formula when the cell i am linking has an existing formula? The result is always #value since the excel reads it not blank although the value is zero or blank since it has an existing formula. Anyone who can understand this situation? =). You're response will be so much appreciated! Thanks.

  41. Hi,
    I am using excel 2007, I'm trying to use conditional formatting using the below formula. Basically, I want to highlight column A if the other column has negative values.But is not working. It worked on excel 2016. Appreciate your help for any suggestion.

    =IFS($E7<0,TRUE,$F7<0,TRUE,$G7<0,TRUE,$H7<0,TRUE,$I7<0,TRUE,$J7<0,TRUE,$K7<0,TRUE,$L7<0,TRUE,$M7<0,TRUE,$N7<0,TRUE,$O7<0,TRUE,$P7<0,TRUE,$Q7<0,TRUE,$R7<0,TRUE,$S7<0,TRUE,$D7<0,TRUE,$T7<0,TRUE,TRUE,FALSE)

    Thank you so much.

  42. Hi,
    I am trying to highlight cell F21 if the amount in this cell is greater or less than 0.02 of the amount in cell B21. Can you help?

    1. Select Cell F21
      In conditional formatting, click on new rule.
      Select "use a formula to determine which cells to format"
      =$F$21>(0.02*$B$21)
      Format with the Format button
      Click OK

  43. Hi
    I wanted to know if I could use conditional formatting based on a predefined table in excel. The conditional formatting should be able to identify the text in that table, find the text in the defined sheet, and format it to a specific color based on the table's formatting.

  44. Hi Excel Wizards ,
    I am looking for help with creating a formula
    I am trying to format a cell to say PASS & also format the cell to change colour to green based on this answer.

    The cell I am trying to format has to read multiple text values based in a different row any ideas how to go about this or help would be greatly appreciated.

    Regards

    Seamus

  45. Hi
    I have two columns with the conditional format of one cell based on the cell further along the row. I would like to know if they are less equal to or more than. I can do this for one cell. However, when I copy and it down it still references the original cell. How do I make it so that it changes the reference cell?

  46. I have 2 columns, A and B. Column A should always be less than Column B. Can you please help me out?

  47. Hi.
    How do I automatically offset cell values between columns?

  48. Hi
    I really appreciate your site and clear layouts.
    Can you come to my rescue please.
    I would like to use conditional formatting and highlight lowest value in col as below
    A6.6
    A7.7
    A3.6
    A4.0
    I would like A3.6 to be highlighted as it is the lowest value. I've experimented because there is both text and number in the same col but no luck.
    Thanks in anticipation
    Alex

  49. Hi please help.
    I have three columns, ID, Date and Code.
    I want to highlight the rows that have the ID and Date the same and the Code on that date is only T. If on the same date there is a code that is T and T, I do want to highlight it. If on the same date there is a code that is C and T, I do want to highlight it. Thank you.

  50. I urgently need help to calculate and "bonus" on a commission structure.

    This is what I need for example:

    If the SUM of A1+B2 = between 1 & 9, then A1 needs to be multiplied by a certain % however if the SUM of A1 + B2 = between 10 & 19, then A1 needs to be multiplied by a different % and so on.

    I have a sliding scale of 6 percentages.

    0-149999 | 0%
    150000-199999 | 1,25%
    200000-299999 | 1,50%
    300000-399999 | etc...
    400000-799999
    800000 +

    I hope this makes sense and hopefully someone can help

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