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Google Sheets · Verified tutorial

Highlight cells containing text in Google Sheets

Add conditional formatting to A2:A5 with the custom formula =REGEXMATCH(A2,"Urgent"). Choose any visible fill color.

Verified by JosephineJuly 25, 2026About 60 seconds

Quick answer

Add conditional formatting to A2:A5 with the custom formula =REGEXMATCH(A2,"Urgent"). Choose any visible fill color.

Step-by-step

1

Select the targetAdd conditional formatting to A2:A5 with the custom formula =REGEXMATCH(A2,"Urgent").

2

Apply the changeChoose any visible fill color.

Shortcut or faster method

Select the target cell, type or paste the formula in the formula bar, then press Enter.

Expected result

A2:A5 has a custom rule that identifies cells containing Urgent.

Common mistake

Typing the formula as plain text or placing it in the wrong cell.

Troubleshooting

Re-select A2:A5 and repeat the final action. A2:A5 has a custom rule that identifies cells containing Urgent.

Example spreadsheet data

This is the clean fixture used for the verified run.

Task

Urgent: payroll

Website review

Urgent: renewal

Campaign

Video transcript

Open the prepared Practice spreadsheet.
Select the target. Add conditional formatting to A2:A5 with the custom formula =REGEXMATCH(A2,"Urgent").
Apply the change. Choose any visible fill color.
A2:A5 has a custom rule that identifies cells containing Urgent.