How to apply conditional formatting rule to all rows in spreadsheet

I have to deal with a spreadsheet in Excel 2007 at the moment where I have a range of about 650 rows (order numbers) with about 5 columns which show a comparison of cost for different orders. I want to figure out which of the prices is the lowest one for each order and copy that to all cells to see it for each row.

What I already did is, to the format some rows with this conditional formatting rule:

=$D$45:$H$45 in Bottom 1 of the Rules Manager.

I know how to use the Format Painter, but because I have to compare the prices for each row it would take too much time to copy the formatting only to each single row.

Is there an easier way than using the format painter to individually copy the conditional formatting rule to each row?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks in Advance!

Select the first data cell on the first row, the press Ctrl+A, which will select the current region of cells.

Go to Conditional Formatting and remove any previous format, the re-apply the CF using your formula with absolute reference to the target cell you are watching.

BTW, please update your profile to indicate which version of Excel you are using. Some answers are version specific, depending on the question

I have tried what you have explained however it did not work.

I want to apply the conditional formatting rule that I have created for $D$2:$H$2 to every single row. For example:

$D$3:$H$3
$D$4:$H$4
$D$5:$H$5
$D$6:$H$6
....
$D$643:$H$643

The only way that I have found to do this is manually use the format painter and copy the conditional formatting rule in $D$2:$H$2 to every single row down to $D$643:$H$643.

Is there an easier way to do this?

I have tried what you have explained however it did not work.

The directions I gave work when followed.

I want to apply the conditional formatting rule that I have created for $D$2:$H$2 to every single row

What is your formula/rule for Conditional Formatting?

Is there an easier way to do this?

Yes. First - clear all conditional formatting from the target range

For discussion, say you want to CF the range D3:H6

1. Starting in cell D3, highlight the entire range of cells from D3:H6
2. Choose Conditional Formatting on the Ribbon
3. Chose New rule, Formula Option
4. Enter the formula, click OK. Verify that the "Applies To" field shows the range D3:H6. If so click OK. If not, Cancel and reselect the correct range and follow the above steps to this point.

See the attached worksheet.
Conditional Formatting was applied to the range A1:H10 all at once using the above process. Type the letter "a" into any cell in the range A1:A10 to see the CF being applied.

I want to use "Bottom Ten Items" to find out the cheapest price for every single row to see for each single order who is the cheapest carrier to optimize freight costs in the future.

I've attached a short part of the list where the first row contains the conditional formating rule that I want to apply to the whole list for each single row.

Can you help me again with that please?