How do I do conditional formatting in Excel for cells where Length = 0?

I am doing a spreadsheet comparing each month's revenue to the month before it. I have no problem setting the formatting if the revenue has increased or decreased. My problem is with the cells where the values haven't been calculated yet. (info coming in the future)  Since there is a formula calculating this cell, I think that I have to check for Length = 0. I don't know how to set this up from the "Conditional Formatting" button in Excel 2016. (Please note that I do NOT want to use any VBA macros for this unless absolutely necessary. I would prefer to just use the application's conditional formatting tool.) I have tried using: =Length(B5) = 0 and Length(B5) = 0 but don't get any results. Thanks for the help.
johnrosshAsked:
Who is Participating?
I wear a lot of hats...

"The solutions and answers provided on Experts Exchange have been extremely helpful to me over the last few years. I wear a lot of hats - Developer, Database Administrator, Help Desk, etc., so I know a lot of things but not a lot about one thing. Experts Exchange gives me answers from people who do know a lot about one thing, in a easy to use platform." -Todd S.

regmigrantCommented:
you are close - the formula for length is =len(b5) however you might find it better to use =b5="" which means "if B5 has no value"t

As you are using 2016 consider looking at the 'highlight cells' rules which gives lots of options including icons to better highlight movement in the numbers these will automate some of the 'formula based' conditional formats
johnrosshAuthor Commented:
Thanks. I guess I didn't explain myself very well. I AM using the highlight cells rules but I can't get the rule set up to work properly.
regmigrantCommented:
ok, which highlight cells rule are you struggling with - can you post an example sheet?

- did you try the "=len(b5) = 0" ?

If the problem is that you've chosen one of the automatic rules and its not clear where to set the cells with 0 length then its difficult to help without knowing which one.

If the auto options are not flexible enough consider going for 'use a formula' so that you have more extensive control - though you will need to create a separate rule for each grouping
Professor JMicrosoft Excel ExpertCommented:
the length 0 meaning that cell has no value or is blank. you can do this in Condtional formatting plz see screnshot.
2016-02-29-18_13_02-Book1---Excel.jpg2016-02-29-18_13_16-Book1---Excel.jpg
but you if you did not mean empty and you meant cells that has 0 value. then simply select cell = 0 on the conditional formatting

Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by

Your issues matter to us.

Facing a tech roadblock? Get the help and guidance you need from experienced professionals who care. Ask your question anytime, anywhere, with no hassle.

Start your 7-day free trial
johnrosshAuthor Commented:
Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
It's more than this solution.Get answers and train to solve all your tech problems - anytime, anywhere.Try it for free Edge Out The Competitionfor your dream job with proven skills and certifications.Get started today Stand Outas the employee with proven skills.Start learning today for free Move Your Career Forwardwith certification training in the latest technologies.Start your trial today
Microsoft Excel

From novice to tech pro — start learning today.