Excel Conditional Formatting If Column A Contains ANY Value Highlight Adjacent Cell In Column B

Question

This seems like it should be easy, however, I have been unable to figure this one out on my own.

My problem is this:

If there is a value in Column A, I would like to highlight the adjacent cell in Column B green. This indicates to the user that no value is necessary for Column B. In addition, if Column A is left blank and the user provides a value in Column B, I would like the adjacent cell in Column A highlighted in the same fashion.

In the sample below, cells B2 and A3 should be green.

Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

To treat the columns independently two rules are simpler (only one is both A and B values are to be the same colour when either cell in the row is populated). So please select ColumnB and HOME > Styles - Conditional Formatting, New Rule..., Use a formula to determine which cells to format and Format values where this formula is true::

=A1<>""

Format..., select green, OK, OK.

Then select ColumnA and repeat as above with this rule:

=B1<>""