How to Highlight Entire Rows Based on Multiple Conditions in Excel

To highlight entire rows based on multiple cell values in Excel, you can use Conditional Formatting with a custom formula. This is especially useful when you want to visually differentiate rows meeting specific conditions.

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✅ Example Scenario:

You have a table with columns: Name, Department, and Status.
You want to highlight entire rows where:

• Department is “Sales”
  AND
• Status is “Active”

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🔍 Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Select Your Data Range

For example, if your data is in A2:C100, select A2:C100
(Always start from the top-left cell of your data range.)

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2. Go to Conditional Formatting

• Click on the Home tab.
• Click Conditional Formatting → New Rule.
• Choose “Use a formula to determine which cells to format.”

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3. Enter the Formula

Assuming:

• Department is in Column B
• Status is in Column C
• The first row of data starts from Row 2

Use this formula:

=AND($B2="Sales", $C2="Active")

✅ Explanation:

• $B2 locks the column so Excel evaluates the correct column as it scans across the row.
• The row number 2 matches the top row of your selection.
• AND() ensures both conditions are satisfied.

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4. Set the Format

• Click Format, choose a fill color (e.g., light yellow), bold text, or border.
• Click OK.

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5. Apply and Done!

Now all rows where Department = Sales and Status = Active will be highlighted.

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🧠 Tip:

You can modify the logic:

• To use OR instead of AND: =OR($B2="Sales", $C2="Active")
• For number-based conditions, like: =AND($B2="Sales", $C2>80)

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