Conditional Formatting Formula Generator
Custom conditional formatting formulas let you highlight cells based on complex rules — comparing to other cells, checking dates, finding duplicates, and more.
Syntax
Custom formula in conditional formatting rule (must return TRUE/FALSE)Try it — generate a Conditional Formatting Formulas formula
Examples
Highlight overdue dates
=A1<TODAY()Returns TRUE for dates before today, highlighting overdue items.
Highlight duplicates
=COUNTIF(A:A, A1)>1Returns TRUE if the value appears more than once in column A.
Highlight entire row
=$B1="High"The $ locks column B — applies to entire row when column B says "High".
Tips
- ✓Use $ to lock columns or rows: $A1 locks column, A$1 locks row.
- ✓The formula is evaluated relative to the first cell in your selected range.
- ✓Test your formula in a regular cell first to make sure it returns TRUE/FALSE correctly.
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