Conditional formatting can help you get the information you
need from data. For example, suppose you would like to know how many students
in your class received an above-average score on a recent exam. You’ve listed
their exam scores next to their names in the range L2:L24. To identify the
above-average students in your class, follow these steps:

  1. Select L2:L24.
  2. Go
    to Format: Conditional Formatting.
  3. Click
    the drop-down arrow and select Formula Is.
  4. Enter
    the following formula:
    =L2>Average($L$2:$L$24)
  5. Click
    the Format button.
  6. Select
    Red in the drop-down Color menu.
  7. Click
    OK twice.

All above-average scores will be red.

Note: When entering the
formula in step 4, ensure that the cell references in the Average function are
absolute.)

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