How to use a formula in conditional formatting

As far as I know, Numbers does not have the capability to format a cell using a function or formula. I would love it if it did, so if I am not right I hope someone will correct me. The Conditional Formatting tool is pretty extensive and very useful, but it doesn't do this specific kind of task.

Hi Bill,

Conditional highlighting depends on comparing the value in the cell to be highlighted with a fixed value or the value in another cell. Your cell to be highlighted contains numerical values, for which the available comparisons do not include "a specific amount less than", nor do they allow any manipulation of the value in either cell by means of a formula written into the rule.

Here's a sample of what is possible:

The example does use a formula, but the formula (three of them, actually) is external to the rule, and is used to calculate values that will fit the three rules shown. The formulas are placed in three extra columns, C, D and E, which are then hidden.

C2: A2-1

D2: A2-2

E2: A2-3

Each rule compares the value in B2 with one of these calculated values, and acts on the first one (if any) that fits that rule:

Same table, Same set of formulas and rules, but this time the values in column A ascend, and those in column B are kept the same through the column:

Regards,

Barry

"not the answer I was hoping for."

Hoping alone won't make a change in this case. Go to the Numbers menu (in Numbers), choose Provide Numbers Feedback, and make a request for this feature to be added to Conditional Highlighting rules.

Regards,

Barry

Do mean Conditional Highlighting? What are you trying to do? See this explanation, particularly section 5.

SG

Not sure how that is done. Someone should stop by soon and give you pointers.

SG