Make conditional formatting explain the data
Build row rules, compare numerical encodings, then connect a report to its review policy.
Start with cell addresses and ordinary formulas. Seven original exercises use editable sources, complete decision traces and changed-input checks. Move freely between steps; save only a checked current attempt.
0 of 7 historical passing attempts saved on this device.
Step 1
Keep a whole-row rule on its Amount column →
The rule starts at the top-left target cell. Locking $D keeps every cell on its row’s Amount; leaving the row relative lets the next record use its own value.
Before this step: Read A1 references and distinguish numbers from text.
Step 2
Resolve overlapping rules by property and priority →
The first matching fill wins. Different properties may combine until a true Stop If True rule prevents later rules from being considered.
Before this step: Complete the row-anchor exercise.
Step 3
Use the median rather than half the value span →
A percentile uses the ordered numeric population. Fifty percent of the min-to-max span can differ from the 50th percentile.
Before this step: Know which Amount cells contain real numbers.
Step 4
Keep exact icon boundaries and numeric populations →
Each boundary has its own inclusive or exclusive comparison. Reversing the icons changes their display order while retaining the numeric buckets.
Before this step: Understand numeric threshold comparisons.
Step 5
Compare values against a fixed bar scale →
With fixed endpoints, changing another record does not rescale the same amount. This exercise uses a 0–200 scale with no axis; negative credits remain source values and have zero-length bars.
Before this step: Read percentages as fractions of a fixed interval.
Step 6
Highlight literal user text across complete rows →
A search query is data. Literal *, ? and ~ must not accidentally become wildcard patterns. An empty query should highlight no records.
Before this step: Use relative rows and fixed control cells.
Step 7
Capstone: keep a named review policy connected →
Separate source facts, review policy and presentation. Fixed workbook/local names bind Report rules to Policy cells; changing a threshold must change the current decision trace.
Before this step: Complete the six rule and visual-encoding exercises.
Saved records contain unit, version, check/scenario counts and date only. They do not restore worksheet data or certify mastery. Native Excel rendering, recalculation and edit/save require separate checks.