\<bookmark_value\>negative numbers; highlighting\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>numbers; highlighting negative numbers\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>highlighting;negative numbers\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>colors;number formats\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>number formats;colors\</bookmark_value\>

Highlighting Negative Numbers

You can format cells with a number format that highlights negative numbers in red. Alternatively, you can define your own number format in which negative numbers are highlighted in other colors.

1. Select the cells and choose \<emph\>Format - Cells\</emph\>.

2. On the \<emph\>Numbers\</emph\> tab, select a number format and mark \<emph\>Negative numbers red\</emph\> check box. Click \<emph\>OK\</emph\>.

The cell number format is defined in two parts. The format for positive numbers and zero is defined in front of the semicolon; after the semicolon the formula for negative numbers is defined. You can change the code (RED) under \<emph\>Format code\</emph\>. For example, instead of "RED," enter "YELLOW". If the new code appears in the list after clicking the \<emph\>Add\</emph\> icon, this is a valid entry.