Adding Data Validation to a Worksheet

Worksheet cells can be adjusted so that only certain values can be entered. Controlling how data is entered decreases errors and makes a worksheet more reliable. You might, for example, want it to be possible to enter only specific dates in a range of cells . You can use logical operators (such as equal, not equal to, less than, or greater than) to set validation rules. When invalid entries are made, a message ”developed and written by you ”appears indicating that the entry is in violation of the validation rules. The rule set will not allow data to flow into the cell .

Create Validation Rules

Select the range you want covered in the validation rules.

Click the Data menu, and then click Validation.

Click the Settings tab.

Click the Allow list arrow, and then select a value type.

Click the Data list arrow, and then select a logical operator.

Enter values or use the Collapse Dialog button to select a range for the minimum and maximum criteria.

Click the Input Message tab.

Type a title and the input message that should be displayed when invalid entries are made.

Click OK.