Format values where this formula is true

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 34 views

What are some areas to fill out in the New Formatting Rule dialog box? Check all that apply.

Introduction

When working with Microsoft Excel, it's essential to understand the different components of the New Formatting Rule dialog box. This dialog box is used to create custom formatting rules for cells in a spreadsheet. In this article, we'll explore the various areas to fill out in the New Formatting Rule dialog box, including Rule type, Function name, Condition, Cell reference, Argument, and Format.

Rule Type

The first area to fill out in the New Formatting Rule dialog box is the Rule type. This option determines the type of formatting rule you want to create. There are three main rule types:

Format values where this formula is true: This rule type applies formatting to cells based on a specific formula.
Format values where this formula is false: This rule type applies formatting to cells based on a specific formula, but only if the formula is false.
Format values where this formula is blank: This rule type applies formatting to cells based on a specific formula, but only if the formula is blank.

Function Name

The Function name field is used to specify the function that you want to use to create the formatting rule. This field is only available when you select the Format values where this formula is true or Format values where this formula is false rule type. Some common functions used in this field include:

AND: This function is used to combine multiple conditions.
OR: This function is used to combine multiple conditions.
NOT: This function is used to negate a condition.

Condition

The Condition field is used to specify the condition that you want to use to create the formatting rule. This field is only available when you select the Format values where this formula is true or Format values where this formula is false rule type. The condition can be a simple value, a formula, or a reference to a cell.

Cell Reference

The Cell reference field is used to specify the cell or range of cells that you want to apply the formatting rule to. This field is only available when you select the Format values where this formula is true or Format values where this formula is false rule type.

Argument

The Argument field is used to specify the argument that you want to use in the function. This field is only available when you select the Format values where this formula is true or Format values where this formula is false rule type.

Format

The Format field is used to specify the formatting that you want to apply to the cells that meet the condition. This field is available for all three rule types. You can select from a variety of formatting options, including:

Number: This option allows you to format the cell as a number.
Currency: This option allows you to format the cell as currency.
Date: This option allows you to format the cell as a date.
Time: This option allows you to format the cell as a time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the New Formatting Rule dialog box is a powerful tool in Microsoft Excel that allows you to create custom formatting rules for cells in a spreadsheet. By understanding the different areas to fill out in this dialog box, including Rule type, Function name, Condition, Cell reference, Argument, and Format, you can create complex formatting rules that help you to analyze and present your data in a more meaningful way.

Tips and Tricks

Use the AND function to combine multiple conditions.
Use the OR function to combine multiple conditions.
Use the NOT function to negate a condition.
Use the Format values where this formula is true rule type to apply formatting to cells based on a specific formula.
Use the Format values where this formula is false rule type to apply formatting to cells based on a specific formula, but only if the formula is false.
Use the Format values where this formula is blank rule type to apply formatting to cells based on a specific formula, but only if the formula is blank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Format values where this formula is true and Format values where this formula is false rule types? The Format values where this formula is true rule type applies formatting to cells based on a specific formula, while the Format values where this formula is false rule type applies formatting to cells based on a specific formula, but only if the formula is false.
How do I use the AND function to combine multiple conditions? To use the AND function to combine multiple conditions, you would enter the following formula in the Condition field: =AND(A1>10,B1<20)
How do I use the OR function to combine multiple conditions? To use the OR function to combine multiple conditions, you would enter the following formula in the Condition field: =OR(A1>10,B1<20)
How do I use the NOT function to negate a condition? To use the NOT function to negate a condition, you would enter the following formula in the Condition field: =NOT(A1>10)

Introduction

The New Formatting Rule dialog box is a powerful tool in Microsoft Excel that allows you to create custom formatting rules for cells in a spreadsheet. However, it can be overwhelming for beginners to understand how to use this dialog box effectively. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the New Formatting Rule dialog box.

Q: What is the difference between the Format values where this formula is true and Format values where this formula is false rule types?

A: The Format values where this formula is true rule type applies formatting to cells based on a specific formula, while the Format values where this formula is false rule type applies formatting to cells based on a specific formula, but only if the formula is false.

Q: How do I use the AND function to combine multiple conditions?

A: To use the AND function to combine multiple conditions, you would enter the following formula in the Condition field: =AND(A1>10,B1<20). This formula will apply formatting to cells where both conditions are true.

Q: How do I use the OR function to combine multiple conditions?

A: To use the OR function to combine multiple conditions, you would enter the following formula in the Condition field: =OR(A1>10,B1<20). This formula will apply formatting to cells where either condition is true.

Q: How do I use the NOT function to negate a condition?

A: To use the NOT function to negate a condition, you would enter the following formula in the Condition field: =NOT(A1>10). This formula will apply formatting to cells where the condition is false.

Q: What is the difference between a Cell reference and a Range reference?

A: A Cell reference is a single cell reference, such as A1, while a Range reference is a range of cells, such as A1:B2.

Q: How do I apply formatting to a range of cells?

A: To apply formatting to a range of cells, you would enter the range reference in the Cell reference field, such as A1:B2.

Q: Can I use multiple conditions in a single formatting rule?

A: Yes, you can use multiple conditions in a single formatting rule by using the AND or OR function.

Q: How do I create a formatting rule that applies to multiple sheets?

A: To create a formatting rule that applies to multiple sheets, you would select the sheets in the Apply the rule to field.

Q: Can I save a formatting rule as a template?

A: Yes, you can save a formatting rule as a template by clicking on the Save as template button.

Q: How do I edit a formatting rule that I created earlier?

A: To edit a formatting rule that you created earlier, you would select the rule in the Rules list and click on the Edit button.

Q: Can I delete a formatting rule that I created earlier?

A: Yes, you can delete a formatting rule that you created earlier by selecting the rule in the Rules list and clicking on the Delete button.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the New Formatting Rule dialog box is a powerful tool in Microsoft Excel that allows you to create custom formatting rules for cells in a spreadsheet. By understanding how to use this dialog box effectively, you can create complex formatting rules that help you to analyze and present your data in a more meaningful way.

Tips and Tricks

Use the AND function to combine multiple conditions.
Use the OR function to combine multiple conditions.
Use the NOT function to negate a condition.
Use the Format values where this formula is true rule type to apply formatting to cells based on a specific formula.
Use the Format values where this formula is false rule type to apply formatting to cells based on a specific formula, but only if the formula is false.
Use the Format values where this formula is blank rule type to apply formatting to cells based on a specific formula, but only if the formula is blank.