Conditional formatting column is blank

To highlight values in one column when values in one or more other columns are blank, you can use the OR function and a basic logical expression to test for blank or empty values. In the example shown, conditional formatting has been applied to the range E5:E14 with this formula: =OR(B5="",C5="", D5="") If B5 or C5 or D5 is blank, the formula returns TRUE and triggers the rule. Note: conditional formatting formulas should be entered relative to the "active cell" in the selection, which is assumed to be E5 in this case.

April 14, 2025 · 1 min · 85 words · Andrew Chen

When all tests return FALSE, the OR function returns FALSE and no conditional formatting is applied.

For more information on building formula criteria, see50+ formula criteria examples.

OR returns TRUEif any condition is TRUE.

Excel formula: Highlight missing values

If all conditions are FALSE, the OR function returns FALSE.

AND returns TRUEonly if all the conditions are met.

If any conditions are not met, the AND function returns FALSE.

Excel formula: Highlight column differences

When given TRUE, NOT returns FALSE.

When given FALSE, NOT returns TRUE.

Use the NOT function to reverse a logical value.

Excel formula: Highlight rows with blank cells

Excel OR function

Excel AND function

Excel NOT function