Change cell color in Excel using the if function

Concise colors as a hint can be very helpful for extensive Excel tables. With the logic function "if-then" you can quickly assign event-dependent colors to the corresponding cells.

Change cell color in Excel: Using the if function

In our example, we manage our inventory using an Excel table. As soon as an article sinks below a specified minimum stock, the corresponding cell should turn red using an if function. The example was created with Microsoft Excel 2013.

• We first create a mini-table in which we record some items and the associated stock quantity.
• Then we think about the minimum quantity for each article. If the same minimum stock applies to several articles, select the relevant cells immediately.
• After the preparatory work is done, select the "Start" tab.

Set colors using IF functions: Here's how

In this example, we show you how to change cell colors using an if function. In addition to "less than", you can also use many other conditions here, such as "greater than", "between two values" or "equal to value".

• In the quick launch bar go to "Conditional Formatting".
• In the context menu "Conditional Formatting" you choose the first option "Rules for Highlighting Cells".
• Since we would like to have a color warning for an article sub-stock, select the logic function "Less than".
• In the "Less than" menu, enter the value above which a certain reaction - that is, a color change in the cell - is to take place (see screenshot).
• Finally, select only one color for the cell, the font or the cell border. You have a variety of marking options.
• In our example, we choose the signal color red as soon as the brush stock drops below 300 pieces.
• Feel free to experiment a little with the "Conditional Formatting". The tool offers you a lot of options that you can use useful and above all very conveniently and quickly.

Tip: The best office notebooks for a small price

Mobile, cheap, fast - this is how the perfect office notebook should be. In reality, however, only a few laptops create a good balance between all of these areas. The recommended exceptions can be found in our always current leaderboard. It starts from around 250 euros.

Become an Excel professional with the new course at the CHIP Academy

With the course in the CHIP Academy "Excel: Pivot tables in less than an hour" even beginners learn how to handle a large amount of data quickly and easily.

• Learn in 40 minutes from our lecturer Daniel Kogan what pivot tables are and how to use them sensibly.
• You will learn how to use pivot tables and pivot charts to gain insights and insights from your data that you would otherwise not have been able to access.
• Visit the CHIP Academy and get the extensive online video workshop for 19.90 euros.

If you want to protect the contents of individual cells while you are working on your Excel worksheet, you can find out how to do it here quickly.