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 16. Total comments: 1726

  1. 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?

  2. 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

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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!

  7. 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.

  8. 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!

  9. 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.

  10. 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

  11. 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?

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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

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

  16. 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.

  17. 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

  18. 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?

  19. 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

  20. 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

  21. 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...)

  22. 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

  23. 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

  24. 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")

  25. 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?

  26. 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!

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

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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

  32. 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.

  33. 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

  34. 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?

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

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

  37. 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

  38. 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.

  39. 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

  40. 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

    1. I would use a nested formula.
      I would put all of my SUM Values in Column C, The Lowest Number of each range in Column D, and the corresponding percentages in Column E.
      Then, for each calculation, I would put the following formula into Column F.
      =IF($C1>=$D$6,$C1*E6,IF($C1>=$D$5,$C1*$E5,IF($C1>=$D$4,$C1*$E4,IF(...
      Continue Nesting until all sections are considered.

      I hope this helps.

  41. Thank you very much for the help in the topic "Excel formulas to work with text values"

  42. hi i have some sales value and contribution % of sales value and i want to highlight those articles which are contributing 80% of my total sales value how can i do it?

  43. I want conditional formatting to apply in the following instance.

    I want the blank cells in the Range B2:D10 to be highlighted red if the corresponding Cell in Column A contains a value. And if Column A does not contain a value, I want no conditional formatting in the Range B2:D10

    Is this possible?

  44. Hello,

    I have a spreadsheet I'm writing for a complaints database. Responses are meant to be issued within 10 working days.
    I would like the row to highlight if:
    the response deadline (auto-populated date, calculated from complaint date, in cell I3) has passed, AND no response has been made (J3- entered manually as the date of response). I have the whole table, minus headings, selected to format to a shade of pink, and in my conditional formatting formula (which I believe I sourced from somewhere online!) I have:
    =AND($I3<TODAY(),$J3"")

    this works in as much as it highlights the row, but it highlights it whether or not J3 is blank. I have fiddled with the absolute references but that just results in nothing being highlighted at all, even when it should be.

    Please could someone explain to me what the () after today, and the after J3 do to affect the formula, and how I can manipulate it to highlight only if both conditions are met?

    What is also bizarre is that I have rewritten this formula from scratch within the formula box (at the same position in the rules order), and it doesn't do anything, even if both conditions are met. I feel like my version of excel is a bit temperamental and does whatever it feels like!

    I can take screenshots to show what I mean if that's helpful.

    Thanks in advance :)

    Bel

  45. Hello,

    I was wondering if you'd be able to help me. I am trying to use a conditional formatting for two criteria, anything that has tomorrow's date and is a duplicate.

    My spreadsheet has other days from October, but since tomorrow is October 11th, I want the conditional formatting to show me any duplicate numbers for October 11th only and highlight those duplicates for October 11th.

    I appreciate any help you can offer me!

  46. Hi Guys,

    I'm trying to create a rule in which If the Column starts with the number "13", to then make all numbers in the adjacent row negative. Is there such a way to do this?

    Thank you.

  47. How can I use Conditional Formatting, when valve change in A1, B1 change the color.

  48. Is there any formula in this regard?

  49. Hai,

    During 37th week of 2018 [September], the first week of Hijri-1440 falls/starts.

    How to arrive at Hijri [Islamic] week number equivalent to Gregorian week number.

    Appreciate your valuable guidance, thanks,

  50. Conditional Formatting Problem: I have made 8 Rules to color code certain words. 6 of the 8 Rules work great, but 2 do not. I have deleted the 2 Rules & reentered, but still no luck. HELP!

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