highlight if cells DONT MATCH

What version of Excel are you using?

If matching text, does case matter? For example, does "This" match "this" ?

Ok, the location of menu items is different in Excel 2003 and 2013.

Assuming no empty cells...

Let's assume the range of interest is A1:B10.

In Excel 2003...

Select the *entire* range A1:B10 starting from cell A1.
Cell A1 will be the active cell. The active cell is the
one cell in the selected range that is not shaded. The
formula will be relative to the active cell.

Goto the menu Format>Conditional Formatting

Select the Formula Is option

Enter this formula in the box on the right:

=$A1<>$B1

Click the Format button
Select the Patterns tab
Select the desired fill color
OK out


In Excel 2013...

Select the *entire* range A1:B10 starting from cell A1.
Cell A1 will be the active cell. The active cell is the
one cell in the selected range that is not shaded. The
formula will be relative to the active cell.

Goto the Home tab>Conditional Formatting>
Manage rules>New rule>Use a formula to determine
which cells to format

Enter this formula in the box below:

=$A1<>$B1

Click the Format button
Select the Fill tab
Select the desired fill color
OK out

You're welcome. Thanks for the feedback!


If your question has been solved please mark the thread as being solved.

In the menu bar above the very first post select Thread Tools, then select Mark this thread as solved.