Let's see if we have this straight.

Some cell (merged cells) contains this formula:

if(a15<0.02,"Enter new text","")

When the formula returns "Enter new text" you want the conditional
formatting to be applied.

If that's what you want try this:

Select the cell (merged cells)
Goto the menu FormatConditional Formatting
Select the Formula Is option
Enter this formula in the box on the right:

=cell_ref="Enter new text"

If you're using merged cells then cell_ref is the top left cell of the
merged cells. For example, suppose the merged cells are C10:D12. Then
cell_ref is C10:

=C10="Enter new text"

Click the Format button
Select the desired style(s)
OK out

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"tcek" wrote in message
...
i would like to have a merged cell display message "X" when the different
cell value is exceeded. I have tried conditional formatting and still the
merged cell displays nothing.
Formula
if(a15<0.02,"Enter new text",""). Pattern of yellow and font of red
chosen.

No results when entered. please advise if above forumula is correct.