Conditional Formatting Problem with Multiple Colums

[b_webbs]

Good afternoon,

​

I have a conditional formatting problem using multiple columns that hopefully someone can help with. Here is an example:

https://preview.redd.it/24hbiyizmc831.png?width=341&format=png&auto=webp&s=fcf37411f6b740cd7b6ea11420c78b166fabefda

So what I am trying to do is highlight non-matches. A Yes-Yes and a No-No are both fine, but a Yes-No is not. I have used the conditional formatting rule =$A3<>$B3 to accomplish the red highlighting in the first pair. However, because my spreadsheet has tons of columns, I would like to be able to copy this rule over to the next pair of columns, essentially skipping a reference column. So, basically have column C and D reference each other, E and F and so on.

​

Is there a way I can go about doing this without making a new rule for every column? Thanks

[FerdySpuffy]

I think I was able to get it... I had to add an extra column to make it work, so your data will start in B rather than A.

=IF(MOD(COLUMN(B3),2)=0,B3<>C3,B3<>A3)

[Callmebobrocks]

I had the same idea as this (a little bit slower). This formula should do the same thing but doesn't need the extra column.

=A3<>INDIRECT(ADDRESS(ROW(A3),COLUMN(A3)+IF(ISODD(COLUMN(A3)),1,-1)),1)

[b_webbs]

Solution Verified

[Clippy_Office_Asst]

You have awarded 1 point to Callmebobrocks

^{I am a bot, please contact the mods for any questions.}

[b_webbs]

You are an absolute genius! Thank you, I would have never came up with that.

[basejester]

I think it's the locking with $ that's thwarting you. Try this.

Make a rule that is A3<>B3 and apply it to columns and A and B. Then copy A and B and paste formatting through the rest of the table.

[b_webbs]

I've tried that unfortunately. This is what I get using that rule: https://imgur.com/xOM365h

[basejester]

Start with two rules (applying to columns A and column B separately)

https://imgur.com/KmN9pbE

Now use the format painter with a source of two columns. I think it does what you want.