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google-sheetsformulags-conditional-formatting

Conditional formatting depending on value in previous cell

I have a column with following values:

336.1
329.2
420.5
332.1
12.9
639.6
531
461.9
...

I'd like to apply conditional formatting to the whole column with a rule that adds red background if a previous value was bigger and green background if the value was lower.

I'm using new google spreadsheets.

Solution

  • In conditional formating, select "Custom Formula Is", select the Range, and apply the formulas based on the first cell of the Range.

    Eg.

    Rule 1: Range: A5:A50, Custom Formula, =A5>A4 -> Green Background

    Rule 2: Range: A5:A50, Custom Formula, =A5< A4 -> Red Background

    For multiple columns separate ranges with commas, Eg. A5:A50,B5:B50,C5,C50.