Alternate Row Shading Explained

[dmarks3505]

I use the formula MOD(ROW(),2)=0 in conditional formatting, but when I try to explain it to others as to how the formula is built, I am at a loss. Would someone please explain the construction of the formula (what each part is doing)? When I look up the MOD formula in HELP, I don't understand how the alternate row shading is the result.

 

[Fluff]

The MOD function returns the remainder when one number is divided by another. As you are dividing by 2 the mod will either be 1 or 0. So all even rows will return true & so are formatted.

 

[Toadstool]

Hi dmarks3505,

MOD returns the remainder after dividing by the divisor, in this case 2.
ROW() returns the row number of the current cell.
If you are on row 1 then ROW() returns 1, MOD(1,2) returns 1 so checking =0 returns FALSE
If you are on row 6 then ROW() returns 6, MOD(6,2) returns 0 so checking =0 returns TRUE

 

[Fluff]

You could also use this formula which will give the same result

=ISEVEN(ROW())

 

[dmarks3505]

Thank you!

 

[Fluff]

Glad we could help & thanks for the feedback.