How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel
Aug
16

Data validation in Excel: how to add, use and remove

by | updated on October 5, 2021

The tutorial explains how to do Data Validation in Excel: create a validation rule for numbers, dates or text values, make data validation lists, copy data validation to other cells, find invalid entries, fix and remove data validation.

When setting up a workbook for your users, you may often want to control information input into specific cells to make sure all data entries are accurate and consistent. Among other things, you may want to allow only particular data type such as numbers or dates in a cell, or limit numbers to a certain range and text to a given length. You may even want to provide a predefined list of acceptable entries to eliminate possible mistakes. Excel Data Validation allows you to do all these things in all versions of Microsoft Excel 365, 2019, 2016, 20013, 2010 and lower.

  • What is data validation in Excel?
  • How to add data validation in Excel
  • Excel data validation examples
    • Whole numbers and decimals
    • Date and time validation
    • Text length
    • Excel data validation list (drop-down)
    • Custom data validation rules
  • How to edit Excel validation rules
  • How to copy Excel validation settings to other cells
  • How to find data validation in Excel
  • How to remove data validation in Excel
  • How to use data validation in Excel - tips & tricks
  • Excel Data Validation not working

What is data validation in Excel?

Excel Data Validation is a feature that restricts (validates) user input to a worksheet. Technically, you create a validation rule that controls what kind of data can be entered into a certain cell.

Here are just a few examples of what Excel's data validation can do:

  • Allow only numeric or text values in a cell.
  • Allow only numbers within a specified range.
  • Allow data entries of a specific length.
  • Restrict dates and times outside a given range.
  • Restrict entries to a selection from a drop-down list.
  • Validate an entry based on another cell.
  • Show an input message when the user selects a cell.
  • Show a warning message when incorrect data has been entered.
  • Find incorrect entries in validated cells.

For instance, you can set up a rule that limits data entry to 4-digit numbers between 1000 and 9999. If the user types something different, Excel will show an error alert explaining what they have done wrong:

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

How to do data validation in Excel

To add data validation in Excel, perform the following steps.

1. Open the Data Validation dialog box

Select one or more cells to validate, go to the Data tab > Data Tools group, and click the Data Validation button.

You can also open the Data Validation dialog box by pressing Alt > D > L, with each key pressed separately.

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

2. Create an Excel validation rule

On the Settings tab, define the validation criteria according to your needs. In the criteria, you can supply any of the following:

  • Values - type numbers in the criteria boxes like shown in the screenshot below.
  • Cell references - make a rule based on a value or formula in another cell.
  • Formulas - allow to express more complex conditions like in this example.

As an example, let's make a rule that restricts users to entering a whole number between 1000 and 9999:

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

With the validation rule configured, either click OK to close the Data Validation window or switch to another tab to add an input message or/and error alert.

3. Add an input message (optional)

If you want to display a message that explains to the user what data is allowed in a given cell, open the Input Message tab and do the following:

  • Make sure the Show input message when cell is selected box is checked.
  • Enter the title and text of your message into the corresponding fields.
  • Click OK to close the dialog window.

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

As soon as the user selects the validated cell, the following message will show up:

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

4. Display an error alert (optional)

In addition to the input message, you can show one of the following error alerts when invalid data is entered in a cell.

Alert typeDescription
Stop (default)
How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

The strictest alert type that prevents users from entering invalid data.

You click Retry to type a different value or Cancel to remove the entry.

Warning
How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

Warns users that the data is invalid, but does not prevent entering it.

You click Yes to input the invalid entry, No to edit it, or Cancel to remove the entry.

Information
How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

The most permissive alert type that only informs users about an invalid data entry.

You click OK to enter the invalid value or Cancel to remove it from the cell.

To configure a custom error message, go to the Error Alert tab and define the following parameters:

  • Check the Show error alert after invalid data is entered box (usually selected by default).
  • In the Style box, select the desired alert type.
  • Enter the title and text of the error message into the corresponding boxes.
  • Click OK.

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

And now, if the user enters invalid data, Excel will display a special alert explaining the error (like shown in the beginning of this tutorial).

Note. If you do not type your own message, the default Stop alert with the following text will show up: This value does not match the data validation restrictions defined for this cell.

Excel data validation examples

When adding a data validation rule in Excel, you can choose one of the predefined settings or specify custom criteria based on your own validation formula. Below we will discuss each of the built-in options, and next week we will have a closer look at Excel data validation formulas in a separate tutorial.

As you already know, the validation criteria are defined on the Settings tab of the Data Validation dialog box (Data tab > Data Validation).

Whole numbers and decimals

To restrict data entry to a whole number or decimal, select the corresponding item in the Allow box. And then, choose one of the following criteria in the Data box:

  • Equal to or not equal to the specified number
  • Greater than or less than the specified number
  • Between the two numbers or not between to exclude that range of numbers

For example, this is how you create an Excel validation rule that allows any whole number greater than 0:

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

Date and time validation in Excel

To validate dates, select Date in the Allow box, and then pick an appropriate criteria in the Data box. There are quite a lot of predefined options to choose from: allow only dates between two dates, equal to, greater than or less than a specific date, and more.

Similarly, to validate times, select Time in the Allow box, and then define the required criteria.

For example, to allow only dates between Start date in B1 and End date in B2, apply this Excel date validation rule:

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

To validate entries based on today's data and current time, make your own data validation formulas as shown in these examples:

  • Validate dates based on today's date
  • Validate times based on current time

Text length

To allow data entry of a specific length, select Text length in the Allow box, and choose the validation criteria in accordance with your business logic.

For example, to limit the input to 10 characters, create this rule:

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

Note. The Text length option limits the number of characters but not the data type, meaning the above rule will allow both text and numbers under 10 characters or 10 digits, respectively.

Excel data validation list (drop-down)

To add a drop-down list of items to a cell or a group of cells, select the target cells and do the following:

  1. Open the Data Validation dialog box (Data tab > Data Validation).
  2. On the Settings tab, select List in the Allow box.
  3. In the Source box, type the items of your Excel validation list, separated by commas. For example, to limit the user input to three choices, type Yes, No, N/A.
  4. Make sure the In-cell dropdown box is selected in order for the drop-down arrow to appear next to the cell.
  5. Click OK.

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

The resulting Excel data validation list will look similar to this:

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

Note. Please be careful with the Ignore blank option, which is selected by default. If you are creating a drop-down list based on a named range that has at least one blank cell, selecting this check box allows entering any value in the validated cell. In many situations, it is also true for validation formulas: if a cell referenced in the formula is blank, any value will be allowed in the validated cell.

Other ways to create a data validation list in Excel

Supplying comma-separated lists directly in the Source box is the fastest way that works well for small dropdowns that are unlikely to ever change. In other scenarios, you can proceed with one of the following ways:

  • Create a data validation list from a range of cells.
  • Make a dynamic data validation list based on a named range.
  • Create an Excel data validation list from table. The best thing is that a table-based dropdown is dynamic by nature and updates automatically as you add or remove items from the table.

Custom data validation rules

In addition to built-in Excel data validation rules discussed in this tutorial, you can create custom rules with your own data validation formulas. Here are just a few examples:

  • Allow numbers only
  • Allow text only
  • Allow text beginning with specific characters
  • Allow only unique entries and disallow duplicates

For more examples, please see Custom data validation rules and formulas.

How to edit data validation in Excel

To change an Excel validation rule, perform these steps:

  1. Select any of the validated cells.
  2. Open the Data Validation dialog box (Data tab > Data Validation).
  3. Make the required changes.
  4. Select the Apply these changes to all other cells with the same settings check box to copy the changes you've made to all other cells with the original validation criteria.
  5. Click OK to save the changes.

For instance, you can edit your Excel data validation list by adding or removing items from the Source box, and have these changes applied to all other cells containing the same drop-down list:

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

How to copy Excel data validation rule to other cells

If you've configured data validation for one cell and wish to validate other cells with the same criteria, you don't have to re-create the rule from scratch.

To copy the validation rule in Excel, perform these 4 quick steps:

  1. Select the cell to which the validation rule applies and press Ctrl + C to copy it.
  2. Select other cells you want to validate. To select non-adjacent cells, press and hold the Ctrl key while selecting the cells.
  3. Right-click the selection, click Paste Special, and then select the Validation option.

    Alternatively, press the Paste Special > Validation shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + V, then N.

  4. Click OK.

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

Tip. Instead of copying data validation to other cells, you can convert your dataset to an Excel table. As you add more rows to the table, Excel will apply your validation rule to new rows automatically.

How to find cells with data validation in Excel

To quickly locate all validated cells in the current worksheet, go to the Home tab > Editing group, and click Find & Select > Data Validation:

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

This will select all cells that have any data validation rules applied to them:

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

How to remove data validation in Excel

Overall, there are two ways to remove validation in Excel: the standard approach designed by Microsoft and the mouse-free technique devised by Excel geeks who would never take their hands off the keyboard unless absolutely necessary (e.g. to take a cup of coffee :)

Method 1: Regular way to remove data validation

Normally, to remove data validation in Excel worksheets, you proceed with these steps:

  1. Select the cell(s) with data validation.
  2. On the Data tab, click the Data Validation button.
  3. On the Settings tab, click the Clear All button, and then click OK.

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

Tips:
  1. To remove data validation from all cells on the current sheet, use the Find & Select feature to select all of the validated cells.
  2. To remove a certain data validation rule, select any cell with that rule, open the Data Validation dialog window, check the Apply these changes to all other cells with the same settings box, and then click the Clear All button.

As you see, the standard method is pretty fast but does require a few mouse clicks, no big deal as far as I'm concerned. But if you prefer working with the keyboard over a mouse, you may find the following approach appealing.

Method 2: Paste Special to delete data validation rules

De jure, Excel Paste Special is designed for pasting specific elements of copied cells. De facto, it can do many more useful things. Among others, it can quickly remove data validation rules in a worksheet. Here's how:

  1. Select an empty cell without data validation, and press Ctrl + C to copy it.
  2. Select the cells(s) from which you want to remove data validation.
  3. Press Ctrl + Alt + V, then N, which is the shortcut for Paste Special > Data Validation.
  4. Press Enter. Done!

Excel data validation tips

Now that you know the basics of data validation in Excel, let me share a few tips that can make your rules a whole lot more effective.

Excel data validation based on another cell

Instead of typing values directly in the criteria boxes, you can enter them in some cells, and then refer to those cells. If you decide to change the validation conditions later, you will simply type new numbers on the sheet, without having to edit the rule.

To enter a cell reference, either type it in the box preceded by an equal sign, or click the arrow next to the box, and then select the cell using the mouse. You can also click anywhere within the box, and then select the cell on the sheet.

For example, to allow any whole number other than the number in A1, pick the not equal to criteria in the Data box and type =$A$1 in the Value box:

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

To take a step further, you can enter a formula in the referenced cell, and have Excel validate the input based on that formula.

For example, to restrict users to entering dates after today's date, enter the =TODAY() formula in some cell, say B1, and then set up a Date validation rule based on that cell:

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

Or, you can enter the =TODAY() formula directly in the Start date box, which will have the same effect.

Formula-based validation rules

In situations when it's not possible to define a desired validation criteria based on a value or cell reference, you can express it using a formula.

For example, to limit the entry to the minimum and maximum values in the existing list of numbers, say A1:A10, use the following formulas:

=MIN($A$1:$A$10)

=MAX($A$1:$A$10)

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

Please pay attention that we lock the range by using the $ sign (absolute cell references) so that our Excel validation rule works correctly for all selected cells.

How to find invalid data on the sheet

Although Microsoft Excel allows applying data validation to cells that already have data in them, it won't notify you if some of the existing values do not meet the validation criteria.

To find invalid data that had made its way into your worksheets before you added data validation, go to the Data tab, and click Data Validation > Circle Invalid Data.

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

This will highlight all cells that don't meet the validation criteria:

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

As soon as you correct an invalid entry, the circle will be gone automatically. To remove all circles, go to the Data tab, and click Data Validation > Clear Validation Circles.

How to protect a worksheet with data validation

In case you'd like to protect worksheet or workbook with password, configure the desired data validation settings first, and then protect the sheet. It is important that you unlock validated cells prior to protecting the worksheet, otherwise your users won't be able to enter any data in those cells. For the detailed guidelines, please see How to unlock certain cells on a protected sheet.

How to share a workbook with data validation

To allow multiple users to collaborate on the workbook, be sure to share the workbook after you have done data validation. After sharing the workbook your data validation rules will keep working, but you won't be able to change them, nor to add new rules.

Excel Data Validation not working

If data validation isn't working properly in your worksheets, it's most likely because of one of the following reasons.

Data validation does not work for copied data

Data validation in Excel is designed to prohibit typing invalid data directly in a cell, but it cannot stop users from copying invalid data. Though there is no way to disable copy/paste shortcuts (other than by using VBA), you can at least prevent copying data by dragging and dropping cells. To do this, go to File > Options > Advanced > Editing options, and clear the Enable fill handle and cell drag-and-drop check box.

How to extend Data Validation list in Excel

Excel data validation is unavailable when in cell edit mode

The Data Validation command is unavailable (greyed out) if you are entering or changing data in a cell. After you've finished editing the cell, press Enter or Esc to quit the edit mode, and then do data validation.

Data validation cannot be applied to a protected or shared workbook

Although the existing validation rules keep working in protected and shared workbooks, it's not possible to change data validation settings or set up new rules. To do this, unshare and/or unprotect your workbook first.

Incorrect data validation formulas

When doing formula-based data validation in Excel, there are three important things to check:

  • A validation formula does not return errors.
  • A formula does not reference empty cells.
  • Appropriate cell references are used.

For more information, please see Custom data validation rule not working.

Manual recalculation is turned on

If the Manual Calculation mode is turned on in your Excel, uncalculated formulas can prevent data from being validated correctly. To change the Excel calculation option back to automatic, go to the Formulas tab > Calculation group, click the Calculation Options button, and then click Automatic.

For more information, please see Automatic calculation vs. Manual calculation.

That's how you add and use data validation in Excel. I thank you for reading and hope to see you on our blog next week!

You may also be interested in

  • How to make custom data validation rules
  • How to create a drop down list in Excel: static, dynamic, from another workbook
  • How to make a cascading (dependent) drop-down list

Excel: featured articles

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  • CONCATENATE in Excel: combine text strings, cells and columns
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Table of contents

54 comments to "Data validation in Excel: how to add, use and remove"

  1. Hamid says:
    August 28, 2021 at 1:29 am

    How to allows number between 1and 60 and tow characters x and / in a sheet

    Reply
  2. Manish says:
    August 23, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    Hi Svetlana Cheusheva
    The article is very useful and informative. I have one question in my mind that can we apply two conditions in one cell in Data Validation as suppose we have a cell named Mobile number and I want to apply two conditions 1. The number should be 10 digits, if number is less than 10 digits then it gives alert message and if number is more than 10 digits it again gives alert message and the 2 condition will be the cell only allowed numbers not alphabets. Please explain in details. Thanks

    Reply
  3. Manish says:
    August 22, 2021 at 8:29 am

    Hello Mam to receive your blogs daily, what should I do. Please guide me.

    Reply
  4. Alexander Trifuntov (Ablebits Team) says:
    May 17, 2021 at 8:56 am

    Hi,
    If I understood the problem correctly, this article will be useful to you: How to use Data Validation in Excel - custom validation rules and formulas.
    Use the formula:

    =AND(C2>0,C2<100)

    This should solve your task.

    Reply
  5. Baniz says:
    May 17, 2021 at 5:51 am

    Hi
    Could you tell me your project have data validation

    Reply
  6. valli says:
    December 23, 2020 at 4:57 am

    Hi,

    I have a dropdown list with multiple selections. My question is that is there anyway to unselect the already selected value from the list.

    Reply
  7. Carlos says:
    December 19, 2020 at 4:42 pm

    Thank you for this. Very helpful.

    I do have a question. I was sent an excel inventory sheet where I need to add a category. Now data validation was applied to this column. I went to the click on data validation and under source I see "='Data validation'!$B$2:$B$8" I do not see any other sheets created containing the category list nor is it on the existing sheet.

    Please guide me on how I can find and edit the category list.

    Reply
    • Carlos says:
      December 19, 2020 at 5:11 pm

      FOUND IT!

      Reply
  8. els darimont says:
    November 23, 2020 at 9:18 am

    Hoe kan je een % valideren.
    Stel je wil max 3% in een cel.

    en geen 4%

    ik krijg het in orde voor gehele en decimale getallen maar niet als ik een percentage wil gebruiken

    Reply
    • Alexander Trifuntov (Ablebits Team) says:
      November 23, 2020 at 1:07 pm

      Hello!

      If I understand your task correctly, instead of 3%, you can use 0.03

      Reply
  9. h.sepehri says:
    June 27, 2020 at 4:00 pm

    data validation doesn't work when i click another cell instead of hit enter key

    Reply
  10. Petri says:
    January 21, 2020 at 6:19 am

    Hi,
    There is a number in cell A1. Is it possible to prevent clearing that cell and force to keep any number in that cell?

    Reply
  11. Shashank says:
    January 14, 2020 at 10:52 am

    Hi,
    I want use validation on numeric values that contains serial Wise Like, If i put 1 then after only come 2 not greater then 2 or less then 2

    Reply
  12. binoy says:
    January 7, 2020 at 3:24 am

    I am trying to remove data validation, under Method 1: Regular way to remove data validation

    Where is the settings option? Not able to find it.

    Reply
  13. Deependra says:
    November 18, 2019 at 1:57 pm

    How to add multiple alert message on same column?
    Ex - A numeric filed with valid entry range is 1000 to 9999. If i try to enter 'dd343' Error message should be - Enter only numeric value.

    If i enter '99999' Then error message should be -"Number must be in range of 1000 to 9999".

    Reply
    • Mary Trifuntova (Ablebits Team) says:
      November 25, 2019 at 12:03 pm

      Hello Deependra,

      You can set just one alert for a particular range using standard Data Validation in Excel. If there are several notifications you want to get, you need a VBA macro. I am really sorry but we cant help you with this.

      Reply
  14. Elias Ainsworth says:
    October 25, 2019 at 11:38 am

    Thanks for the help

    Reply
  15. Elias Ainsworth says:
    October 24, 2019 at 11:54 am

    Also how do you do a V-lookup

    Reply
    • Svetlana Cheusheva (Ablebits Team) says:
      October 24, 2019 at 2:56 pm

      Hi Elias,

      Please see this tutorial for the detailed explanation of the VLOOKUP function: Excel VLOOKUP tutorial for beginners

      Reply
  16. San Ling says:
    October 7, 2019 at 3:05 pm

    "Excel data validation based on another cell"

    when the stop message prompt out, the user still can choose "cancel" button to ignore the restrict input.
    May i know how to remove the "cancel" button on the message, to force user to must follow the rule that i set?

    Reply
    • Svetlana Cheusheva (Ablebits Team) says:
      October 8, 2019 at 8:17 am

      Hi San,
      Its not possible to remove the Cancel button from the alert. However, in a stop alert, Cancel just closes the error message, but it does not let the user enter the restrict input. On the next try, if the users enters a restricted value, they will see the stop alert again.

      Reply
  17. Soms Sombi says:
    October 2, 2019 at 7:11 am

    I am soms from Papua New Guinea, I am designing a simple program. I need your help. I want log off users not to input anything into the worksheet after the set due date, How will I do it?. need help please

    Reply
  18. Mohammed Ali says:
    September 23, 2019 at 4:20 am

    Dear, thanks, very informative.
    I am having a problem in displaying a message when 2 cells are of same Name.
    Please Help me to find out the way.
    Doc. Received By Doc. Audited By
    John Mathew John Mathew
    They should not be same. How should I display a message so the one should not Audit who Received the Document.

    Appreciate for Help.
    Regards,

    Ali

    Reply
  19. A says:
    August 23, 2019 at 7:54 pm

    Hi,
    i have thousands of drop down validation cells in a spreadsheet. I need to add drop down info to my list criteria and apply them to each cell without removing/erasing what is currently noted in the cells. I tried copying them, but that erases what my current cell data is. Is there a way to have the cells be updated without copying&pasting? i would like to add to my criteria and have the cells automatically update without altering/erasing current cell data.
    thanks

    Reply
  20. Gemma Attwell says:
    July 22, 2019 at 8:53 am

    Thanks for the information! However, found it very hard to use with the moving banner at the bottom of the screen, had to screenshot the text because it was so uncomfortable on the eyes.

    Reply
  21. PRIYANKA says:
    July 10, 2019 at 1:18 pm

    Hii,
    I am priyanka. i want interested to know about how can i set filter validation. Like:- I WANT down Down- drops too-
    ****i want to make this drop down****
    lost to competition
    lost to co-dealer
    Purchase postponed
    if i want to set *lost to competition -drop down -
    Compulsion from relatives/friends
    Exterior looks are not good
    Features not appealing
    High Maintenance cost
    Information not revealed
    Low Brand Image
    Low Exchange Value
    Poor After Service
    Poor mileage
    Poor/No Response from Show room
    Scheme not attractive
    Stock not available
    Other
    ****lost to co-dealer*** - drop down
    Better discount Offer
    Compulsion from relatives/friends
    Dealership was close to home
    Information not revealed
    Poor After Service
    Poor/No Response from Show room
    Stock not available
    **** Purchase postponed*****
    Customer out of station
    Exterior looks not good
    Finance problem
    Scheme not attractive
    Stock not available
    Waiting for new model
    **** so how can make this typ of validation ****
    plz tell me ..

    Reply
    • Svetlana Cheusheva (Ablebits Team) says:
      July 11, 2019 at 8:04 am

      Hello!

      You need to make a dependent drop-downs for this. The detailed instructions can be found here:
      How to create a cascading (dependent) drop-down list

      Reply
  22. GIRI BABU says:
    July 1, 2019 at 8:44 am

    IT WAS NICE AND TQQQQ

    Reply
  23. Phil says:
    May 31, 2019 at 9:27 pm

    In cells that I have data validation applied to, sometimes, when I start typing an autofill function gives me the best solution and other times noting happens, even when I know there is only one selection that would meet the typed criteria. Is there a way to always have the autofill option "On"?

    Reply
  24. San says:
    April 12, 2019 at 6:26 am

    How can I trigger Excel to "recalculate" or update dependent cells when a validation entry is changed via VBA?
    The validation cell is used in other functions (i.e. VLOOKUP, CUBEMEMBER) and changing the cell manually triggers the calculation but doing so via VBA and nothing happens.

    Reply
  25. tayyib singh says:
    April 8, 2019 at 12:22 pm

    hi my name tayyib and me want learn the excel

    Reply
  26. Suman Reza says:
    February 15, 2019 at 9:24 pm

    Hi. I have an excel sheet in which I have a cell which has a drop-down. This drop-down lists a group of names. Can I copy this cell to another sheet which would then display the same names when the drop-down is pressed?

    Thanks,
    -S

    Reply
  27. anton says:
    January 24, 2019 at 2:29 am

    hello,
    when i write many formula (if) in source box, it seems limited, please enlighten me about this, it's true that the source box has limited character (word/number) that can be written there? thank you

    Reply
  28. Hasan Shahid says:
    December 28, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    hi! i am just wondering that can we use data validation in a way as we utilize the options in the other softwares like if i select "option A" in coloumn "X" so it will provide me a list of option which is nested under the "option A" in the very next column or where i want to utilize this function. and if i selected "Option B" in the column X so it'll show me the options which is nested under the option B. so in this way, we can effectively use the head of accounts like if i use Head of Account of Salary in the column X so it shows me only the employees list which i nested under Salary Head of Account. I don't have any idea that this option is available in excel or not thats why i m posting it here so that i can get some answers from excel eXperts.

    Reply
    • Natalia Sharashova (Ablebits Team) says:
      December 28, 2018 at 12:46 pm

      Hi, Hasan,

      What you described looks like a dependent drop-down list.
      You will find the instructions on how to create one in this article of ours.

      Reply
  29. Denise says:
    December 5, 2018 at 2:59 pm

    Is there a way to prevent a user from editing a drop down list selection after they pick from the list? In my case, the user selected one of the items in the list and then changed it. Can this be prevented?

    Reply
  30. Paul says:
    October 11, 2018 at 1:14 am

    Hello,
    we have a spreadsheet where the first 2 columns use data validation via 2 separate drop down lists. On the first row (under the Headers) the data validation works as expected - ie a user clicks in the first row cell and can select the from the list, ditto for the second cell in the same row.
    The problem we have: after entering free form text / data into the remaining row cells and pressing enter / return the new row does not show the data validation in the first two columns when the user clicks in either cell unless some free form text / data is entered in one of the remaining row cells.
    Is there a way to have the Data Validation selection working for the first 2 columns on a new row without having to enter text / data in one of the other row cells?
    We are using Excel 2013 with "Include new rows and columns in table automatically as you work" selected under AutoCorrect options. We do not VBA.
    Thanks for any help / advice.

    Reply
    • Paul says:
      October 15, 2018 at 11:07 pm

      Found the solution - use the "Tab" key instead of "Enter/Return" key

      Reply
  31. kalai says:
    October 4, 2018 at 10:02 am

    Hi, i need to check whether particular range of cells are empty.Am checking checking mandatory fields.If its empty it should display alert msg..
    thanks in advance

    Reply
  32. Umang says:
    September 25, 2018 at 12:43 pm

    How to make validation that first 4 digit is letters and next 4 numbers

    Reply
  33. elena says:
    April 12, 2018 at 7:58 pm

    hi,
    I have an ex file with date validation in it.
    My boss told me not to add rows in between because it destroys the data validation. I've added 2 rows and on the right site where is data val. I have blanks. How can I adjust my data validation without deleting my added rows?
    Thanks

    Reply
  34. Akutwete Agustão says:
    January 29, 2018 at 12:07 pm

    hello; I Have one problem to resolve when i Creat date in the tab to make atransfer it says invalid date format therefore, please help me how to set it to be valid date.
    in the tab in my cell

    Reply
  35. Akutwete Agustão says:
    January 29, 2018 at 12:06 pm

    hello; I Have one problem to resolve when i Creat date in the tab to make atransfer it says invalid date format therefore, please help me how to set it to be valid date.

    Reply
  36. sanju says:
    January 15, 2018 at 8:20 am

    Nice one

    Reply
  37. Roomanah says:
    December 8, 2017 at 7:16 am

    Hi
    I copied and pasted data containing data validation into one workbook from another workbook. My normal drop downs are working, but my indirect drop down list stopped working.
    1) I changed all the named lists to use the current workbook as a source.
    2) I removed the indirect data validation and tried to redo it.
    The indirect is still not working and keeps telling me the formula evaluates to an error.

    What could be causing the error and how do I fix it?

    Reply
    • Gennady Terekhov (Ablebits Team) says:
      February 14, 2018 at 3:07 pm

      Hello,
      For me to understand the problem better, please send me a small sample workbook with your source data and the result you expect to get to . Please don't worry if you have confidential information there, we never disclose the data we get from our customers and delete it as soon as the problem is resolved.
      Please also don't forget to include the link to this comment into your email.
      I'll look into your task and try to help.

      Reply
  38. mohammed rizwan says:
    November 19, 2017 at 8:58 am

    Dear
    i want to data validation but some problem in cell between some cell merge how to data validation next cell.please help me

    Reply
    • Gennady Terekhov (Ablebits Team) says:
      December 20, 2017 at 1:49 pm

      Hello,

      For me to understand the problem better, please send me a small sample workbook with your source data and the result you expect to get to . Please don't worry if you have confidential information there, we never disclose the data we get from our customers and delete it as soon as the problem is resolved.
      Please also don't forget to include the link to this comment into your email.
      I'll look into your task and try to help.

      Reply
  39. Chris says:
    October 25, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    Hi,
    Is there a way to only allow 0, 50 or multiples of 50 to be input into a cell without doing it from a list.

    Reply
    • Ayushman says:
      June 28, 2018 at 9:33 am

      Yes, possible.

      Select custom in validation criteria.
      Enter this formula : =mod(A1,50)=0
      OK

      Ignore the pop up message (if any) that says "this formula evaluates to an error".

      Done!!

      Reply
  40. monica says:
    August 18, 2017 at 9:33 am

    could you please help out on how to find automatic formula like for example if I enter the data then the answer will automatically popping on

    Reply
    • Svetlana Cheusheva (Ablebits Team) says:
      August 18, 2017 at 10:43 am

      Hi Monica,

      I am afraid I cannot suggest any solution based on such a generic description. Anyway, Excel Data Validation only checks the data entry in selected cells and it can only show an input message or error alert when invalid data is entered.

      Reply
      • inwaka says:
        May 18, 2018 at 10:38 pm

        Hi Svetlana,
        Sorry I appear to be replying to an old post. I am actually asking a question. I am trying to copy an entire column (in sheet 1) whose data values in each cell are generated from a drop-down menu, to new column in sheet two. I am using the special paste, validation option. Although the values are getting copied, only the drop-down menu in the first cell is active. How can I solve this problem?

        Reply

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