Use a formula to determine which cells to format?

**jonvanwyk** · 01-14-2011, 04:50 PM

If the number in the cell to the left is larger, then make this cell RED.

If the number in the cell to the left is smaller, then make this cell GREEN.

What formula would I use under the conditional formatting tool to make the above two scenarios work? Thanks in advance for your help!

**NBVC** · 01-14-2011, 04:53 PM

After select the cell (e.g. B1)

enter formula: =A1>B1 and choose RED

then add new rule with formula =A1<B1 and choose GREEN from Fill tab.

If you are apply to group of cell horizontal-wise, make sure the formulas don't contain $ signs that would make the references absolute.

**magnetar** · 06-04-2012, 10:51 AM

Hi,

I've been scratching my head for hours trying to work out what is going wrong.

I want to format a cell conditional on the value of another cell, as per this thread. No matter what I do, it doesn't seem to work at all. I've made it a simple as possible by creating a new workbook and entering:
A1: 5
B1: 2
C1: Some random text - this cell has the conditional formula: ="A1>B1"

However, the cell doesn't get formatted.
Here is a screenshot and here is the simple workbook.

Any ideas?

Thanks

**NBVC** · 06-04-2012, 10:58 AM

Please start your own new thread.

**arlu1201** · 06-04-2012, 11:10 AM

Thanks NBVC.

Magnetar,

Welcome to the Forum, unfortunately:

Your post does not comply with Rule 2 of our Forum RULES. Don't post a question in the thread of another member -- start your own thread. If you feel it's particularly relevant, provide a link to the other thread. It makes sense to have a new thread for your question because a thread with numerous replies can be off putting & difficult to pick out relevant replies.