Using Multiple Test Conditions

You are not limited to a single test condition when using conditional formatting. Excel allows you to specify up to three conditions in the Conditional Formatting dialog box. To set multiple conditions, all you need to do is click on the Add button after you are done with each condition. Excel then expands the dialog box and allows you to enter another test and associated format.

This capability comes in handy when you want to test a cell for multiple specific values. For instance, let's say you wanted to apply different formatting when a particular cell's value was equal to either 200, 350, or 500. Excel makes this easy, simply by using multiple conditions.

If you decide to define multiple conditions, each condition is independent of the other. If you want more complex conditions, using Boolean operators such as AND or OR, then you should set up a formula for your conditional test, as described in other ExcelTips.

At some time while you are developing your conditional tests, you may want to delete one of the conditions. Excel makes this easy. All you need to do is click on the Delete button in the Conditional Formatting dialog box. If you have multiple conditions defined, Excel displays the Delete Conditional Format dialog box. Select which of your conditions you want deleted, and then click on the OK button. You can then continue to work in the Conditional Formatting dialog box, as desired.