Custom formula-based rules in Google Sheets - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a custom formula-based rule in Google Sheets conditional formatting?

It is a rule where you write your own formula to decide which cells get special formatting. The formula must return TRUE for cells to be formatted.

beginner

How do you write a custom formula to highlight cells in column A that are greater than 100?

Use the formula =A1>100 in the custom formula rule. This checks each cell in column A if it is more than 100.

intermediate

Why do you use absolute and relative references carefully in custom formulas?

Because the formula applies to many cells, relative references change for each cell, while absolute references stay fixed. This controls which cells the formula checks.

beginner

What happens if your custom formula returns FALSE for a cell in conditional formatting?

That cell will not get the special formatting. Only cells where the formula returns TRUE are formatted.

intermediate

Give an example of a custom formula to highlight rows where the value in column B is empty.

Use =ISBLANK($B1). The dollar sign fixes column B, and the row number adjusts for each row.

What must a custom formula return to apply formatting to a cell?

A FALSE

B TRUE

C A number

D Text

The formula must return TRUE for the formatting to apply.

Which formula highlights cells in column C that are less than 50?

A =$C1<50

B =C$1<50

C =C1<50

D =$C$1<50

=$C1<50 fixes the column C but lets the row change for each cell.

What does the dollar sign ($) do in a custom formula reference?

A Changes the cell color

B Makes the reference relative

C Deletes the reference

D Makes the reference absolute (fixed)

The $ fixes the column or row so it does not change when applied to other cells.

If you want to highlight entire rows where column A is 'Yes', which formula is correct?

A =A$1="Yes"

B =A1="Yes"

C =$A1="Yes"

D =$A$1="Yes"

=$A1="Yes" fixes column A but lets the row number change for each row.

Can you use functions like ISBLANK() in custom formula rules?

A Yes, to check conditions like empty cells

B No, only simple comparisons

C Only in Excel, not Google Sheets

D Only with numbers

Functions like ISBLANK() work well in custom formulas to check cell conditions.

Explain how to create a custom formula-based rule to highlight cells in a column based on a condition.

Think about how the formula checks each cell and returns TRUE or FALSE.

Describe the role of absolute and relative references in custom formula rules and why they matter.

Consider how the formula moves when applied to many cells.