Excel Data Validation
Data Validation is an inbuilt tool of Excel, with the help of this tool we can stop the entries of invalid data in the worksheet, this will not allow invalid data to be entered in the Excel sheet and even if we accidentally type any invalid data then it will be display an error message that we have entered invalid data.
Apart from this, by using Data Validation, we can also be prevented duplicate entry of data in the Excel Sheet and the user can set the Criteria of Data Validation as per his requirement.
Why to do Data Validation in Excel
Data Validation in MS Excel helps you to perform the following tasks and provides suitable facility:
- You can create a list of entries that restrict the values allowed in a cell.
- You can create an instant message explaining the type of data allowed in a cell.
- Can also create messages that appear when incorrect data is entered.
- Can define a range of numeric value that can be entered into a cell.
- Incorrect entries can also be checked using the auditing toolbar.
How to To use Data Validation in Excel
- Go to Data Tab >> Data Validation
- On clicking Data Validation, a new dialogue box will open.
- In this dialog box you will see a total of three tabs Settings, Input Message and Error Alert.
- In the Settings tab, now you have to set a formula for data validation. With this you can create a dropdown list in any cell.
- The other two tabs Input Message and Error Alert let you tell the operator what to type in the cell.
If data validation is applied in the cell and if someone tries to type it wrong then it will not be able to do it. This is the biggest advantage of data validation.
You can use DATA VALIDATION inside MS EXCEL in many ways like -
- WHOLE NUMBER : To use validation on any number.
- DECIMLE : To use validation on decimle value.
- LIST : To create a list in excel.
- DATE : To use validation on date.
- TIME : To use validation on time.
- TIME LENGTH : To validation lenght of word.