What is Data Validation in Excel? Examples and Use Cases

Data validation in Excel is a feature that allows users to control the type of data or the values that are entered into a cell. By setting specific rules, such as restricting data to whole numbers, dates, or specific text patterns, users can ensure that the data entered meets certain criteria, reducing errors and maintaining data integrity. For example, a user can restrict a cell to accept only dates within a specific range or limit the input to a predefined list of options. Common use cases include creating dropdown lists, ensuring accurate data entry, and enforcing data consistency.