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Google Sheets conditional format custom formula

Stop guessing at the Google Sheets custom formula.

Describe what should light up, add the apply-to range, and get the exact TRUE/FALSE expression to paste into Custom formula is, with the dollar signs set for how Sheets walks the range.

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Use case

Google Sheets conditional format custom formula for spreadsheet work.

Create a Google Sheets custom formula rule that returns TRUE for the cells or rows that should receive formatting, with relative and absolute references written for the selected range.

What this page gives you

  • A Google Sheets custom formula for the conditional-formatting sidebar.
  • A plain-English read of which columns stay locked and which row references move.
  • Checks for apply-to range, TRUE/FALSE output, dollar signs, and cross-sheet INDIRECT cases.

When to use it

Use this page when Google Sheets built-in conditional-formatting presets are not specific enough, such as highlighting a whole row from one status column, flagging overdue tasks, spotting duplicates, or checking a value against another sheet.

Do not paste the custom formula into a normal worksheet cell and expect formatting to happen. The formula belongs in Format cells if, Custom formula is, and it should be written from the first row or cell in the apply-to range.

Worked example

The apply-to range is A1:Z1000, and column C contains Yes or No. Highlight the entire row when column C says Yes.

=$C1="Yes"

The dollar sign locks column C while the row number changes as Sheets evaluates each row in the apply-to range. The formula returns TRUE only for rows that should be highlighted.

Check before you paste

  • Use Custom formula is in the Google Sheets conditional formatting sidebar.
  • Write the formula for the first cell or row in the apply-to range.
  • Use dollar signs to lock the columns or rows that should not shift.
  • Use INDIRECT when a Google Sheets conditional-format rule must reference another sheet.

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