Data validation

Definition

Data validation allows you to ensure certain cells contain specific values. For example only specific dates, number less than certain numbers etc.

You will find this under the data toolbar

Example: Allow only numbers less than 1000 in a cell with data validation

If want to ensure that people only insert numbers less than 1000 in cell A, then go to data validation

Select whole number and less than. Then just type in 1000.

Now when you try and input any number more than 1000 in the cells you selected, the following will pop up

Example: Creating a list with data validation

You can create drop down list with data validation.

If we have the following data and we want to create a list for it:

We simply stand on the cell/cells where we want the drop down list to be, go to data validation.

Can you see that the source is the list of first table. In allow we have to select list.

See below, this will allow us to create a drop down list.

You cannot create a drop down list out of data in other spreadsheets. The source data should be in your current sheet.

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