Custom formula-based rules in Google Sheets - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This column shows test scores of students.

Cell	Value
A1	Score
A2	45
A3	75
A4	88
A5	62
A6	30

Formula Trace

=A2>60

Step 1: A2

Step 2: 45 > 60

Cell Reference Map

   A   
1 Score 
2  45  
3  75  
4  88  
5  62  
6  30  

Formula references cell A2.

The formula checks if the score in A2 is greater than 60.

Result

   A       B       
1 Score   Pass?    
2  45     FALSE    
3  75              
4  88              
5  62              
6  30              

Cell B2 shows FALSE because 45 is not greater than 60.

The formula result in B2 shows FALSE, indicating the score in A2 does not meet the condition.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What does the formula =A2>60 check?

A If the value in A2 is less than 60

B If the value in A2 equals 60

C If the value in A2 is greater than 60

D If the value in A2 is empty

Key Result

A custom formula compares a cell value to a condition and returns TRUE or FALSE.