A

Conditional formatting is a feature built into Excel which triggers and effect (eg turn the cell red) if a condition set by you is matched.

B

For example - you might want the cell containing a total to go red if you 'overspend'. Try this:

C

Power up Excel and type these headings into the Row 1:

D

In Cell C2 type the formula: =A2+B2 and test that this works by typing some simple figures in A2 and B2

E

Click Cell C2; then click Format>Conditional Formatting and use the drop down lists to set the first window like this:

F

Click Format>Patterns and then click the red square; click OK>OK

G

Now type 3 in cell A2 and -10 in cell B2 - cell C2 will give you answer (-7) in a red cell.

H

Excel will also check cells for WORDS so you could design a self-marking crossword!