Excel 2007: Setup Data as a Table and Apply Conditional Formatting

Conditional formatting refers to the ability to format a cell based on its value. Conditional formatting makes it easy to highlight certain values so that they stand out visually. For example, you may set up conditional formatting so that if a formula returns a negative value, the cell background displays green.

To start out, define your data as a Table.  Steps 1 - 2 assume that the entire worksheet is to be formatted as a table.

1. Click in the first cell.
2. In the Styles group, click on Format as Table.
3. Select a table type. If the data has a header row, leave "My Table has headers" checked.
4. Click OK.
5. Click the Home tab. Highlight a column of data you need to apply the Conditional Formatting to.
6. In the Styles group, click on Conditional Formatting.
7. You can choose from any number of default choices.
   
   Excel 2007 provides a number of new data visualizations: data bars, color scales, and icon sets. You can also use the Manage Rules choice to review all the rules you have.
   
   But the various default choices should be a great start.

Note: In the past, a cell could have at most three conditions applied. With Excel 2007, a you can format a cell based on an unlimited number of conditions.