Conditional Formatting for entire row

[HeatherJ]

I know how to use conditional formatting for a cell, but is there a way to do
conditional formatting for an entire row?

Example: if cell A18 contains the text, "total" then row 18 has a top and
bottom border.

Thanks, Heather

 

[T. Valko]

Do you really mean the *entire* row or just a portion of the row?

Let's assume you want to format A18:J18

Select the *entire* range A18:J18 starting from cell A18. Cell A18 will be
the
active cell. The active cell is the one cell in the selected range that is
not shaded. The formula will be relative to the active cell.

If you really do mean the *entire* row then left click the row number
header.

In Excel 2007:

Goto Home tab>Styles>Conditional Formatting>Manage rules>New rule>Use a
formula to determine which cells to format
Enter this formula in the box below:
=$A18="total"
Click the Format button
Select the Borders tab
Select the border style
OK out

In Excel versions 2003 and earlier

Goto the menu Format>Conditional Formatting
Select the Formula Is option
Enter this formula in the box on the right:
=$A18="total"
Click the Format button
Select the Borders tab
Select the border style
OK out

 

[Luke M]

Select entire row(s). Conditional format - formula is:
=$A18="total"
(note the placement of the absolute reference)

Format as desired.

 

[HeatherJ]

Can I select an entire sheet and apply this? to say something like if
"total" appears in a cell in column A then apply a format to that row?

Thanks again!

 

[T. Valko]

Can I select the entire sheet and apply a conditional format

Ok, just like the entire row, the *entire* sheet is probably overkill!

Let's say you have data in the range A18: J500. Just select that specific
range the way I described in my other post. Or, an easier way to select
large ranges is to type the range address in the name box. That little "box"
immediately above the column A header that tells you what cell is selected.

Type in the range such as A18:J500 then hit Enter. The range will be
selected and A18 will be the active cell.

Then set the formatting just as I explained in my other post. The formula
will be the same:

=$A18="total"