Conditional Formatting Columns Based on Text from Adjacent Column

**mejiamang** · 10-18-2012, 07:49 PM

Hello,
I'd like to CF a few columns based on text in a adjacent column. For example, I have a data validation list in B1 with the options "Y" or "N" and I want to format A1 based on each value; B2 has "N" to format A2, B3 to format A3 and so on. This is simple enough for a single row but I can't figure out how to get this to work for the entire column or multiple rows. Is this even possible? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
- Jesse

**jeffreybrown** · 10-18-2012, 07:55 PM

Hi Jesse,

If you want to highlight the row...

Conditional Formatting

Highlight applicable range >> A1:H100
Home Tab >> Styles >> Conditional Formatting
New Rule >> Use a formula to determine which cells to format
Edit the Rule Description: Format values where this formula is true: =$B1="Y"
Format… [Number, Font, Border, Fill]
OK >> OK

Now add another rule and for the formula, this time enter =$B1="N" >> change the format

Note: Switch between relative, absolute, and mixed references

**mejiamang** · 10-18-2012, 08:47 PM

Hi Jeff,
This is what I was doing and now I feel like a big dummy. I forgot to make sure the priority levels didn't conflict and the Stop If True box was deselected. In any case, your assistance helped by realize my errors. Thank you so much for the help! You rock!
- Jesse

**vlady** · 10-18-2012, 10:12 PM

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