Conditional formatting makes it easier to pick out important points from large bodies of data. Let’s say you need to know when a sales region’s results fall below a certain level. Format the regional total cells to highlight the number in red if it falls below a certain value. Even if the number falls below the threshold and climbs above it again, the formatting remains, ready to be applied when the number steps out of line. .

• Choose Format and Conditional Formatting.
• Use the data boxes to set up the criteria that trigger the conditional formatting.
• Click Format to indicate what should happen when the criteria are met, such as the font turning red. Click OK.

To find cells with conditional formatting like that of a cell you’ve selected:

• Choose Edit and Go To and click Special.
• Click the Data Validation radio button and click All or Same, depending on whether you want to find cells with any conditional formatting or just those that match your selected cell.