How do I format a cell based on the contents of a different cell?

[Zoe McGoe]

I have a column of values that can have one of four possible values in each
cell - let's say Red, Amber, Yellow or Green. If the cell has the text
"red" in it, I would like to set a fill color of red in the cell immediately
adjacent to the cell containing the actual word "red". I'm having a heck of
a time finding a way to do this. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,
Z~

 

[Bill Kuunders]

Assume the words are in the range A1:A20
Select the range B1:B20
Goto Format>Conditional Formatting
select "Formula is" in the dropdown where it says "cell
value is": and enter next to that =A1="red"


Click the Format button
Select the style(s) desired

You can from there add another two formats
say for green and amber
use the "add" selection in the conditional format window