Practical examples of using data validation formulas
This chapter explores a useful Excel feature: data validation. Data validation enables you to add rules for what’s acceptable in specific cells and allows you to add dynamic elements to your worksheet without using macro programming.
About Data Validation
The Excel data validation feature allows you to set up rules that dictate what can be entered into a cell. For example, you may want to limit data entry in a particular cell to whole numbers between 1 and 12. You can specify an input message to help the user know what kind of data to enter in the cell. If the user makes an invalid entry, you can display a custom message. Figure 20.1 shows an example of both the input message and the message generated from an invalid entry.
Figure 20.1 Displaying an input message and a message when the user makes an invalid entry.
Excel makes it easy to specify the validation criteria, and you can also use a formula for more complex criteria.
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