You can use Conditional Formatting for this.

Select your entire range of data
From the Format Menu, select "Conditional Formatting..."
Change "Cell Value Is" to "Formula Is"
Enter the formula =A1=MIN($A1:$E1)
Set your format (Red background/white font)
Click OK

My example assumes your data is in columns A through E and starts in Row 1.
Adjust the range to meet your needs. The =A1= portion should be the active
cell in the range that you select.

HTH
Elkar

"john" wrote:

hello, i have an invertory worksheet that tracks year round use.
i now would like to compare the prices of an item in a row with the prices
of 5 different collums ( companies). i enter the costs of each item in each
row of each under the collum of each company.

i now have it set up that a seperate colum will show the cheapest price
using the "min" funnction.. but i would realy like the cheapest price show
up as a different color in it's own colum.. in other words.. the roll of
"foil" under competitor 2 is the cheapest so the cell is red with white
letters.

thank you if any one could help.. john