Hi there,

Think of Conditional Formatting much like that of a circular reference,
because that is what it is. You are attempting to give it a True condition
unto itself - and if everything lines up (is True) then the condition is met
and the format is applied.

I'll assume for a minute that we are talking about B15, where the formula in
this cell is "=A15".

Select B15
Format (menu) | Conditional Formatting | Formula Is ..
=B15=A15
Format as desired

So you see, it's less complicated to replicate the formula than it is to
reference the actual formula statement; which is possible, but (imo) more of
a pain than the alternative.

Is this what you are asking for?


--
Regards,
Zack Barresse, aka firefytr



"snax500" wrote in message
oups.com...
In Excel2000, can I have a conditional format based on a formula
reference. For example, I have data in columns A and C. In column B I
have formulas that reference either column A or C ( +A15 or +C19). Can
Excel use conditional formatting to look at the formula and then format
it one way if in column A (red fill) and another in column C (yellow
fill).

Thanks