If you’re fond of using Excel, high chances are you’ve come across the data validation feature. Thanks to this feature, you can easily restrict the input of users to a worksheet. Technically, the feature helps you in controlling the kind data that you would rather have entered into a certain cell.
Some might wonder why data validation excel is important in the first place. Well, this feature can allow only numeric or text values in a cell while at the same time making it easy for users to validate an entry based on another cell. If this is not enough, users will have an easy time in finding incorrect entries in validated cells.
That aside, here are Excel data validations tips you need to know about.
Excel Data Validation Based on Another Cell
Rather than typing values directly in the criteria boxes, you can simply enter them in some cells, before referring to those cells. In case you wish to change the validation later on, you only have to type in new numbers on the sheet. This is, of course, without having to edit the rule. For you to enter a cell reference, you can choose to type it in the box preceded by an equal sign.
Excel Data Validation Not Working
At times, the data validation may fail to work properly in your worksheets. If this is the case, chances are you might be making do with copied data. Keep in mind data validation does not work for copied data at any given time. This does not mean the feature will stop users from copying invalid data. In fact, you can pull this off successfully without going through a lot. For you to avoid copying data, simply drag and drop cells.
Final Thoughts
Excel data validation might seem like a mammoth task especially when doing it for the very first time. Be sure to do some research if you’re to clear any doubts in mind. It is then that you can make use of the data validation Excel feature hassle-free.