Excel Quick and Easy

CHAPTER 10Using Conditional Formatting

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Applying conditional formatting in your worksheets
• Learning about conditional formats with graphics
• Using formula-based rules for conditional formatting
• Looking at examples
• Performing other conditional formatting tasks

You can apply conditional formatting to a cell so that the cell looks different depending on its contents. Conditional formatting is a useful tool for visualizing numeric data. In some cases, conditional formatting may be a viable alternative to creating a chart. This chapter covers how to specify conditional formatting, including formatting using graphics, and creating rules for conditional formatting. The chapter also shows conditional formatting examples and steps for performing other formatting tasks.

Specifying Conditional Formatting

Conditional formatting lets you apply cell formatting selectively and automatically, based on the contents of the cells. For example, you can apply conditional formatting in such a way that all negative values in a range have a light-yellow background color. When you enter or change a value in the range, Excel applies the conditional formatting rules for the cell. If the value is negative, the background is shaded; otherwise, no formatting is applied.

To apply a conditional formatting rule to a cell or range, select the cells and then use one of the commands from the Home ➪ Styles ➪ Conditional Formatting drop-down list to specify a rule. The choices are as follows: ...