How to use COUNTIF for conditional formatting in Excel

Question

I am trying to use a formula to highlight cells which exist in another range with conditional formatting. The formula I am using is:

=COUNTIF(VerticalList,A1)=0

When pressing OK, Excel tells me that there is a problem with the formula. I don't see the problem. Can someone help me out? What is wrong with my formula?

Answer 1

The other day another SO user had a similar problem . I think you cannot use a structed reference in a conditional formatting formula.

Try:

=COUNTIF(INDIRECT("VerticalList"),A1)=0