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How to format negative numbers in red in Excel and Google Sheets
Excel & Google Sheets
=A2<0✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Sales | Profit |
| Q1 | -150 |
| Q2 | 200 |
| Q3 | -50 |
| Q4 | 300 |
=A2<0→FALSE
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Step by step
- 1Select the range of cells you want to format (e.g., A2:B5).
- 2Go to the Home tab, click on Conditional Formatting, and choose New Rule.
- 3In Excel, select 'Format only cells that contain'. In Google Sheets, choose 'Custom formula is'.
- 4Enter the formula =A2<0 (adjust the cell reference as needed).
- 5Click Format, set the font color to red, and click OK.
Tips
- Ensure your data range is correctly selected to avoid misapplication of formatting.
- This method works for both individual cells and entire columns/rows.
- Remember to adjust the cell references in the formula to match your specific data range.
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Frequently asked
Can I use this method for entire columns?
Yes, select the entire column (e.g., A:A) before applying the rule.
What if my data includes zero values?
The rule will only affect negative numbers, leaving zeros and positives unchanged.
Is there a way to apply this to multiple sheets at once?
No, you must apply the rule individually to each sheet.