Forum Discussion

craigbragg's avatar
craigbragg
Copper Contributor
Jun 13, 2017

Excel Condtional Formatting using Formula

First time poster. Please redirect me as necessary.

 

I know how to use Formulas in Conditional Formatting, but I have a question about the structure of the formula. Why does the formula begin with only the first cell reference in the range of cells being formatted, rather than the entire range. Example:

 

Range A1:A5

Want to format cells with values greater than 2

Formula =A1>2

 

Why isn't the formula =A1:A5>2

 

I hope my question makes sense.

excel

2 Replies

  • Detlef_Lewin's avatar
    Detlef_Lewin
    Silver Contributor
    Jun 13, 2017

     

    craigbragg wrote:

     

    Range A1:A5

    Want to format cells with values greater than 2

    Formula =A1>2

     

    Why isn't the formula =A1:A5>2

    Because you want to compare only A1 in cell A1 and do not want to compare A1:A5 in cell A1.

    The formula always works for one cell and is copied in memory to the other cells (A2:A5).