A conditional-formatting rule can highlight the row above or test the wrong column when its formula does not align with the applied range. Fix the reference relationship rather than manually recoloring the results.
Start with the first applied row
Open Format > Conditional formatting and inspect Apply to range. For a range A2:E100, write the custom formula as it should evaluate for row 2.
To highlight each row when its column B status is Ready, use =$B2="Ready". The dollar sign keeps the test in column B, while the relative row changes for each row in the applied range.
Check what is locked
$B$2 would make every row depend on one fixed cell. A fully relative B2 can shift horizontally as the rule applies across multiple columns. Choose anchors according to the intended relationship.
If the applied range begins at row 1 instead, the formula needs corresponding first-row alignment. Do not repair an off-by-one error by shifting business data up or down.
Test positive and negative cases
Use two adjacent rows with different statuses and check all target columns. Include a blank row and a row at the bottom of the range. Inspect other overlapping rules if the result still looks inconsistent.
Custom conditional-formatting formulas have reference restrictions; Google’s guide calls for INDIRECT when referencing another sheet. Keep formulas simple where possible and avoid unnecessary whole-column rules in large workbooks. A correct rule should explain every highlighted example without changing the underlying values, and ordinary manual fill colors should not be mistaken for evidence that the rule evaluated successfully.
References
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 3, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.