Use the Formula Is option.

Let's assume the range of interst is A2:A10

Select the *entire* range starting from cell A2. A2 will be the active cell.
The active cell is the one cell in the selected range that is not shaded.
The formula used is relative to the active cell.

Goto the menu FormatConditional Formatting
Select the Formula Is option
Enter this formula in the box on the right:
=A2=A1
Click the Format button
Select the desired style(s)
OK out

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"Mike" wrote in message
...
I need to know how to set a conditional format for "the cell directly
above"
instead of specifying a specific cell.

I highlight the cell i want to format, i click on conditional format, i
choose cell value is then I choose equal to then I want to choose "the
cell
above" so i can copy it down the column. Does anyone know how to enter
"the
cell above?"