Data validation rules in Google Sheets - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of data validation rules in Google Sheets?

Data validation rules help control what users can enter in a cell. They ensure data is correct and consistent by restricting input to specific types or values.

beginner

Name three common types of data validation rules you can set in Google Sheets.

1. List of items (dropdown)<br>2. Number restrictions (e.g., between, greater than)<br>3. Text length limits

beginner

How do you create a dropdown list using data validation in Google Sheets?

Select the cell(s), go to Data > Data validation, choose 'List of items', then enter the items separated by commas. This creates a dropdown menu for easy selection.

beginner

What happens if a user enters invalid data in a cell with data validation enabled?

Google Sheets shows a warning or rejects the input depending on the settings. You can choose to show a warning or prevent invalid data completely.

beginner

Can data validation rules be applied to multiple cells at once? How?

Yes. Select multiple cells or a range before setting the data validation rule. The rule will apply to all selected cells.

Which menu do you use to add data validation in Google Sheets?

A Insert

B Format

C Data

D Tools

Data validation is found under the Data menu in Google Sheets.

What type of data validation allows users to pick from a list of options?

A Number restriction

B List of items

C Checkbox

D Date restriction

List of items creates a dropdown list for users to select from.

If you want to prevent users from entering invalid data, what should you do?

A Allow all data

B Show warning

C Ignore validation

D Reject input

Choosing 'Reject input' stops users from entering invalid data.

Can data validation rules be applied to a whole column at once?

A Yes, by selecting the entire column

B No, only single cells

C Only to rows, not columns

D Only to cells with data

You can select an entire column and apply data validation to all its cells.

Which of these is NOT a valid data validation type in Google Sheets?

A Font color

B List from a range

C Text length

D Checkbox

Font color is a formatting option, not a data validation type.

Explain how to set up a data validation rule that only allows numbers between 1 and 100.

Think about restricting number ranges in the data validation menu.

Describe the difference between showing a warning and rejecting input in data validation.

Consider what happens when invalid data is entered.