Conditional Formatting in Excel is a powerful feature that allows you to apply specific formatting to cells that meet certain criteria. This can help you visually highlight important data, identify trends, and make your data more readable and insightful.

1. Conditional Formatting Rules: These are the criteria that determine which cells will be formatted.
2. Formatting Options: These include font color, cell color, data bars, color scales, and icon sets.
3. Rule Types: Common rule types include highlighting cells based on their values, top/bottom rules, data bars, color scales, and icon sets.

1. Select the Range: Highlight the cells you want to format.
2. Open Conditional Formatting: Go to the "Home" tab, and in the "Styles" group, click on "Conditional Formatting".
3. Choose a Rule Type: Select the type of rule you want to apply.
4. Set the Rule: Define the criteria for the rule.
5. Choose the Formatting: Select the formatting options you want to apply.
6. Apply the Rule: Click "OK" to apply the rule.

Task: Highlight all cells in the range E1:E20 that contain the text "Completed".

Steps:

1. Select the range E1:E20.
2. Go to the "Home" tab and click "Conditional Formatting".
3. Choose "Highlight Cells Rules" > "Text that Contains...".
4. Enter "Completed" and choose a formatting style (e.g., Green Fill with Dark Green Text).
5. Click "OK".

Solution:

Task: Use a custom formula to highlight cells in the range F1:F10 where the value is greater than the average of the range.

Steps:

1. Select the range F1:F10.
2. Go to the "Home" tab and click "Conditional Formatting".
3. Choose "New Rule" > "Use a formula to determine which cells to format".
4. Enter the formula =F1>AVERAGE($F$1:$F$10).
5. Choose a formatting style (e.g., Yellow Fill with Dark Yellow Text).
6. Click "OK".

Solution:

• Mistake: Applying conditional formatting to the wrong range.
  • Tip: Always double-check the selected range before applying the rule.
• Mistake: Overlapping multiple conditional formatting rules.
  • Tip: Manage rules carefully to avoid conflicts and ensure clarity.
• Mistake: Using complex formulas without testing.
  • Tip: Test your formulas in a few cells before applying them to a larger range.

Conditional Formatting is a versatile tool in Excel that can significantly enhance the readability and analysis of your data. By mastering the various rule types and formatting options, you can create dynamic and visually appealing spreadsheets that highlight key information and trends. Practice with different examples and exercises to become proficient in using Conditional Formatting effectively.