spreadsheeting formatting for using less resources

[WaltFC]

I have a fairly large spreadsheet, about 500 columns, by over 2000 rows.
I want to make the spreadsheet use less resources of the PC, open faster...
Which is better: 1. conditional formatting rules that apply to the whole area
or 2. the same rule 20 times where each time it only applies to 1% of the whole area?

 

[VoG]

1. is better.

 

[Smitty]

Welcome to the Board!

500x2000 isn't really that much, relatively speaking, with regards to the impact that formatting might have. If performance is an issue I'd look at more significant overhead areas like formulas, especially those that might be redundant or force more calculation than necessary.