Data Validation in Excel 2013

Introduction

In this article we are explaining data validation in Excel 2013. Data validation is the feature of Excel that prevents the user from incorrect data entry in an Excel worksheet and ensures that only accurate information is entered. For example we have a phone number field that can contain only 10 numeric digits; it can't contain other text data and the number of digits must be a minimum and maximum of 10.

Data validation restricts the type of information that can be entered in the cell. Data validation is used to ensure that appropriate and accurate information is entered in the cell. In an Excel worksheet we can set various types of validation such as numeric validation, length validation, list validation etc.

How to set data validation to the Excel cell.

Step 1

Open an Excel worksheet and select a cell area where you want to set validation.

Step 2

In the "Data Tools" tab click on "Data validation".

Step 3

The Data Validation window will be shown. In the Data Validation window you will see various types of validation; see:

Step 4

From the Data Validation window you can choose various types of validation.

In this example we are using

List validation on the "Address" field,

Decimal validation on the "Salary" field,

and length validation on the "Phone no" field.

Step 5

After specifying a validation we try to enter incorrect information;

it will show an error message.

Step 6

In the address field, if we want to enter an address that does not exist in the list then it will not accept it.

It accepts only those addresses that are defined in the list validation.