You are learning Data Validation in MS Excel
How to validate data based on cell data types (text, number, date)?
Here's how to validate data based on cell data types (text, number, date) in Excel:
1. Select the cells for validation:
Choose the cell(s) where you want to restrict data entry based on type.
2. Open the Data Validation menu:
Navigate to the "Data" tab on the Excel ribbon. In the "Data Tools" group, click "Data Validation."
3. Set Allow criteria:
In the "Settings" tab of the Data Validation window, under "Allow," choose the appropriate option based on the data type you want to restrict:
* Text: Select "Text" to allow only alphabetical characters, special symbols, and spaces.
* Number: Select "Number" to allow only numeric entries (including decimals).
* Date: Select "Date" to allow only valid date entries.
4. Additional Options (Optional):
* Criteria: You can further refine the validation within each data type. For example, under "Criteria," you can choose "Between" and specify a range of numbers for the "Number" type.
* Input Message: Switch to the "Input Message" tab to create a custom message that appears when the cell is selected. This can guide users on the expected data format.
* Error Alert: In the "Error Alert" tab, you can define a custom error message that pops up if users enter invalid data.
5. Click OK:
Once you've set your desired validation criteria and any optional settings, click "OK" to activate data validation on the selected cells.
Here's how it works:
- When a user tries to enter data into a validated cell, Excel will check if the data type matches the chosen criteria.
- If the data type is valid, it will be accepted.
- If the data type is invalid, Excel will display the error message (if defined) and prevent the user from entering the data.
- The input message can provide guidance on the expected data format.
By implementing data validation based on cell data types, you can ensure data consistency and accuracy in your Excel spreadsheets.