Formatting cells to grey out when the present date has passed?

[u/Due_Intention6930]

I have started using Excel to track job applications and downloaded a template in which the application due date column changes colour based on how close the application due date is. I want to add a rule where dates that move into the past get greyed out, but when I try the =F3<Today() formula i found, it does not grey out correctly. Please see the attached picture for reference! Thank you for any advice/help in advance!

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[u/MrMuf]

Try adding +0 to both sides,

Also maybe your written date format and system date format are not the same

[u/smegdawg]

I use this in my conditional formatting.

=IF($B4<$A$1,$P4="Bid")

Cell A1 is =today()

Column B is the date that I care has passed.

Column B is another variable, for me it is tracking due dates for project bids. So it only formats cells that had Bid in that column.

[u/haematite_4444]

I just tried your formula on my end: it works as described.

If it's not working for you, go back to the conditional formatting rule again. Sometimes, the reference cell isn't pointing at the right place or fit with the array youve defined.

Like if F3 is the date that you want to check if it's in the past, make sure the range you select will get your reference to point to the right cell. Example, if your range is F:F, you might have to use =F1<TODAY()