Restricting Input With Data Validation
Limit cells to numbers, dates, or values from a list.
What Is Data Validation?
Data validation sets rules for what a cell will accept. Instead of trusting people to type the right thing, the spreadsheet enforces it.
You can require a cell to hold only whole numbers, only dates in a range, or only values from an approved list.
- Catches typos before they pollute your data.
- Guides users with hints and warning messages.
- Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.
Where to Find It
The feature lives in slightly different spots in each program.
- Excel: select the cells, go to the Data tab, and click Data Validation.
- Google Sheets: select the cells, then choose Data > Data validation and click Add rule.
Both open a panel where you pick the rule type, set its limits, and decide what happens when someone enters invalid data.
All lessons in this course
- Creating and Using Named Ranges
- Naming Constants and Formulas
- Restricting Input With Data Validation
- Building Dropdown Lists