Hi,
If you only want the number for display purposes then
=IF(B1<A1,A1-B1&" - Down",B1-A1&" - Up")
If you want to use the number in future calculations than
=IF(B1<A1,A1-B1,B1-A1)
and then use conditional formatting
To conditionally format your cell(s):
In 2003:
1. Select the cell you want to format
2. Choose Format, Conditional Formatting
3. Choose Formula is from the first drop down
4. In the second box enter the formula:
=A1>B1
5. Click the Format button
6. Choose a color on the Patterns tab (or any available option)
7. Click OK twice.
In 2007:
1. Highlight all the cells on the rows you want formatted
2. Choose Home, Conditional Formatting, New Rule
3. Choose Use a formula to determine which cell to format
4. In the Format values where this formula is true enter the following
formula:
=A1>B1
5. Click the Format button and choose a format.
6. Click OK twice
You will need to create a second rule in both cases
=A1<B1
If this helps, please click the Yes button.
Cheers,
Shane Devenshire
=A1>B1