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SP3990's avatar
SP3990
Brass Contributor
Apr 12, 2026

highlight cell with maximum absolute value

hi i need to use conditional format to highlight the maximum of absolute values in a column. how do i do that. cell containing "-4777" should be highlighted

 

2 Replies

  • Olufemi7's avatar
    Olufemi7
    Steel Contributor

    Hello SP3990​,
    Select your range, for example A1:A12

    Go to conditional formatting and choose “Use a formula to determine which cells to format”

    Use this formula

    =ABS(A1)=MAX(ABS($A$1:$A$12))

    Apply it to A1:A12

    This highlights the cell with the highest absolute value in the range

    Works in Excel 365 and older versions

    If it does not apply in older Excel versions

    Use a helper column
    In B1
    =ABS(A1)
    Copy down

    Then use conditional formatting on A1:A12 with

    =B1=MAX($B$1:$B$12)