Use conditional formatting in Excel to identify data trends

Excel’s conditional formatting can help you keep track of
positive or negative changes in your business. For example, suppose you’ve
entered total first quarter sales for each of your stores in J2:J24, and
entered total second quarter sales in range K2:K24. You would like to know
which of your stores’ second quarter sales increased over the first quarter. To
find out this information, follow these steps:

1. Select
   J2:K:24.
2. Go to
   Format: Conditional Formatting.
3. Click
   the drop-down arrow and select Formula Is.
4. Enter
   the following formula:
   =$J2<$K2
5. Click
   the Format button.
6. On
   the Pattern tab, select light gray.
7. Click
   OK twice.

All cells for each store that attained higher sales for the
second quarter will be shaded in gray.

Note: When you
enter the formula in step 4, ensure that the column references are absolute.

Miss a tip?

Check out the Microsoft Excel archive, and catch up on our most recent Excel tips.

Help users increase productivity by automatically signing up for TechRepublic’s free Microsoft Office Suite newsletter, featuring Word, Excel, and Access tips, delivered each Wednesday.