
How to Get Started with Data Validation in Google Sheets
Learn how to use data validation in Google Sheets. Also, learn about variations in data validation by tweaking parameters.
Why use Data Validation in Google Sheets?
There are no restrictions for adding data to Google Sheets. This may lead to the input of inappropriate data in tables, thereby leading to errors. To avoid this problem, Google Sheets allows you to restrict values inside a cell by using Data Validation. You can also restrict users to input a value from a list of values only.
Example 1: Select from a List of Items
Step 1: Select the column of interest
- Click on the column or select the cells of interest.

Step 2: Go to Data
- Navigate to the Data button in the top menu.
- Select Data.
- Select Data validation.

Step 3: Select List of Items as criteria
- Ensure that the range in cell range is as per your requirement.
- Go to Criteria.
- Select List of Items.
- Mention the items in the tab beside the criteria. Separate the values by comma.

- Keep the other parameters as it is.
- Select Done.

Example 2: Reject Invalid Data
Step 1: Select the column of interest
- Click on the column or select the cells of interest.

Step 2: Go to Data
- Navigate to the Data button in the top menu.
- Select Data.
- Select Data validation.

Step 3: Select List of Items as criteria
- Ensure that the range in cell range is as per your requirement.
- Go to Criteria.
- Select List of Items.
- Mention the items in the tab beside the criteria. Separate the values by comma.
- Select the Reject input option in Invalid Data.
- Select Done.

Example 3: Select between Range of Numbers
Step 1: Select the column of interest
- Click on the column or select the cells of interest.

Step 2: Go to Data
- Navigate to the Data button in the top menu.
- Select Data.
- Select Data validation.

Step 3: Select Numbers as criteria
- Ensure that the range in cell range is as per your requirement.
- Go to Criteria.
- Select Numbers.

- Mention the range in the tabs beside Numbers.
- Keep the other parameters as it is.
- Select Done.

- Now, if you try to input any values outside this range, Google Sheets will show you an error, with a red flag in that particular cell.
- Below is an example where 2 numbers are inserted outside the range:

See Also
Google Sheets: How to Use Pivot Tables: Learning how to create and use Pivot Tables for analysing data in Google Sheets.