WPS Spreadsheets: Highlight Completion Dates Later Than Due Dates
Question details
The user needs to highlight completion dates that occur after their corresponding due dates.
- Product
- WPS Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A worksheet uses columns H and I for due dates and completion dates, and the user wants conditional formatting to identify completion dates later than due dates.
- Observed behavior
- The conditional-formatting rule may not work when the date values are stored as text or when the formula row does not match the first row of the selected range.
Confirm which column contains the due date and which contains the completion date. Select the intended data range and verify that both columns contain real date values rather than text.
Create a formula-based rule for dates later than due dates
Use this solution when the due dates are in column H and completion dates are in column I.
The formula compares each row independently. With H as the due-date column and I as the completion-date column, the rule highlights rows where the due date is earlier than the completion date.
In WPS Spreadsheets, select the range to format, such as $H$2:$I$500.
Go to the Home tab, choose Conditional Formatting, and select the option to create a formula-based rule.
Enter =$H2<$I2 in the rule formula field. The row number 2 must match the first row of the selected range.
Choose a highlight style, confirm that the Applies to range is =$H$2:$I$500, and click Apply or OK.
Convert text dates into valid spreadsheet dates
Use this solution when the conditional-formatting formula does not respond because one or both date columns contain text.
Compare due dates and completion dates with WPS Spreadsheets
WPS Spreadsheets lets you create formula-based conditional formatting to identify completion dates later than due dates. Use the familiar Home and Conditional Formatting menus, then verify that your date values and cell references are correct.
- 1. Open the worksheet: Launch WPS Office, open your spreadsheet, and locate the due-date and completion-date columns.
- 2. Select the formatting range: Select the required cells, such as $H$2:$I$500.
- 3. Create the rule: Choose Home > Conditional Formatting, create a formula rule, and enter =$H2<$I2.
- 4. Apply and verify: Set the highlight style, confirm the Applies to range, and click Apply or OK to test rows with later completion dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What formula highlights completion dates after due dates in WPS Spreadsheets?
If due dates are in column H and completion dates are in column I, use =$H2<$I2 in a formula-based conditional-formatting rule.
What range should the conditional-formatting rule apply to?
For data beginning in row 2 and extending through row 500, set the Applies to range to =$H$2:$I$500. Adjust the range to match your worksheet.
Why is the conditional-formatting formula not working?
Check that the values in columns H and I are valid spreadsheet dates rather than text. Also make sure the formula row number matches the first row of the selected range.
Can I highlight only the completion-date cells instead of both columns?
Yes. Select a range such as $I$2:$I$500 and use the same formula, =$H2<$I2. The relative row references will compare each completion date with the due date in column H.
What if the due-date and completion-date columns are different?
Replace H and I with the correct column letters. Keep the row reference aligned with the first selected row, such as =$D2<$E2 for due dates in D and completion dates in E.
