formula using format of a cell for if() condition

domregas If you have Excel for MS365, you could try creating a custom LAMBDA function in Name Manager using the Excel 4.0 macro function, GET.CELL. On the ribbon, go to Formulas > Define Name, call it FILLCOLOR and use the following formula:

=LAMBDA(reference,GET.CELL(63,reference))

Or, to make it volatile, use the NOW function as follows:

=LAMBDA(reference,GET.CELL(63/NOW()^0,reference))

Define Name: FILLCOLOR Function

Once created, you can then use the custom FILLCOLOR formula in cell E1 to return B1 if the background color of cell A1 is 6 (yellow):

=IF(FILLCOLOR(A1)=6, B1, "")

FILLCOLOR Test Results

Note: the results will not update automatically when the background color is changed. If the volatile method has been used (see above), the formulas can be refreshed by pressing F9 (Calculate Now) or Shift+F9 (Calculate Sheet) on your keyboard. Also, the workbook must be saved as a Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm), and the option to "Enable Excel 4.0 macros when VBA macros are enabled" must be set in File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings.