Can I use conditional formatting to change the color of a cell based on other cells being blank?

Semhal O'Gorman

I have a smartsheet where I have data being added from multiple cells in different categories. At the bottom of this sheet I have the data grouped into 7 categories that pull from individual cells above and add them together based on one specific category. What I would like is that grouped data to turn green if all the cells it is adding together are filled in and red if there are any cells that are empty. Is there a way to do this?

Andrée Starå

Hi @Semhal O'Gorman

Yes, but you’d need to use a so-called helper column with a formula to check for it.

Would that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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Semhal O'Gorman

Thanks @Andrée Starå,

I can add another column. Need to read up on helper columns with formulas.

Andrée Starå

@Semhal O'Gorman

Happy to help!

You could for example add a checkbox column type, and add something like the following formula. It will check the checkbox if the cell is empty. (Update the column name with yours)

=IF(ColumnName@row = ""; 1)

The same version but with the below changes for convenience.

=IF(ColumnName@row = "", 1)

Depending on your country/region, you'll need to exchange the comma to a period and the semi-colon to a comma.

✅Remember! Did my post(s) help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please help the Community by marking it as the accepted answer/helpful. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!