When analyzing your spreadsheet, especially if it contains financial data, it can be quite helpful to have negative numbers standout as a different color from the positive ones. This makes it much easier to find problem areas. To do this:
1. Select the range of cells.
2. Click Format and select Cells.
3. Select the Numbers tab.
4. In the Options section, check the Negative numbers red checkbox.
5. Click OK.
All negative numbers within the range will now be displayed in red.
Red may not be your color of choice, if that’s the case, you can use a different color by following these steps:
1. Select the range of cells.
2. Click Format and select Cells.
3. Select the Numbers tab.
4. In the Options section, check the Negative numbers red checkbox.
5. In the Format code text box, you will notice some code (for example [$$-409]#,##0.00;[RED]-[$$-409]#,##0.00 or 0;[RED]-0).
6. Change the word RED to a different color, such as BLUE or GREEN.
7. Click the add icon (the button with the check mark).
8. If the new format appears in the Format list, you are good to go. However, if it does not, try another color.
9. Select the new format in the Format list..
10. Click OK.
