Conditional formatting help - use info from 2 columns to format the 3rd column

[oncearunner]

I need help with conditional formatting in Excel. I have two columns with pertinent information. I need to know the following and format accordingly:

1. Is the number in column A positive or negative?
2. Is the number in column B less than 0.05 or 0.10?

I would then like Column C to just be highlighted a certain color depending on the combination... there are 5 possible combinations and I would like the cells to be formatted so that:

1. Positive and less than 0.05 - Bright yellow
2. Positive and less than 0.10 - Pale yellow
3. Negative and less than 0.05 - Bright green
4. Negative and less than 0.10 - Pale green
5. This "combo" just means the criteria wasn't meant... which is possible b/c sometimes Column A may have text instead of a number of b/c the number in column B is not less than 0.10. If either of these is true, I want the cell to remain blank.

The colors themselves are not so important, but hopefully, I have clearly articulated what I need. I have struggled to get the conditional formatting to work and any help would be greatly appreciated - thanks in advance!!

[Pauleyb]

The ordering and ensuring the 'stop if true' flag is critical. Something like this
=AND(A1>0,B1<.1) is pale yellow
then bright yellow
then pale green
then bright green

'combo' would just be your default format for cells.

[oncearunner]

I think part of my issue is I am not sure how to put multiple formulas (each with its respective format if conditions are met) all strung together so that everything appears in one column if that makes sense? Thanks for your response and any further help you can offer...

[FDibbins]

You dont indicate which version of excel you are using, we use that to tailor suggestions for you, so please update your profile

If you have 2003 or earlier, you can only have 3 Conditional Format (CF) rules, if you have 2007, you have lots more rules. So I will assume 2007 or later...

1. highlight the range you want to apply the conditional formatting to
2. on the home tab, styles, select CF
3. select new rule, select use formula
4. enter =and(A2>0,B2<=0.05) format fill YELLOW
Repeat 3 & $ with
AND(A2>0,B2<=0.1)
etc

1. Positive and less than 0.05 - Bright yellow
2. Positive and less than 0.10 - Pale yellow
3. Negative and less than 0.05 - Bright green
4. Negative and less than 0.10 - Pale green

Note, you may need to adjust the sequence of the rules (move 1 up or down) and may need to check "stop if true"

[oncearunner]

You are correct in assuming 2007 or later... thanks for your help!

[FDibbins]

Glad it worked for you, and thanks for the feedback