You can use data validation to restrict the type of data or the values that users enter into a cell. One of the most common data validation uses is to create a drop-down list.
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Select the cell(s) you want to create a rule for.
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Select Data >Data Validation.
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On the Settings tab, under Allow, select an option:
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Whole Number - to restrict the cell to accept only whole numbers.
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Decimal - to restrict the cell to accept only decimal numbers.
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List - to pick data from the drop-down list.
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Date - to restrict the cell to accept only date.
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Time - to restrict the cell to accept only time.
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Text Length - to restrict the length of the text.
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Custom – for custom formula.
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Under Data, select a condition:
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between
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not between
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equal to
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not equal to
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greater than
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less than
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greater than or equal to
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less than or equal to
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On the Settings tab, under Allow, select an option:
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Set the other required values, based on what you chose for Allow and Data. For example, if you select between, then select the Minimum: and Maximum: values for the cell(s).
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Select the Ignore blank checkbox if you want to ignore blank spaces.
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If you want to add a Title and message for your rule, select the Input Message tab, and then type a title and input message.
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Select the Show input message when cell is selected checkbox to display the message when the user selects or hovers over the selected cell(s).
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Select OK.
Now, if the user tries to enter a value that is not valid, a pop-up appears with the message, “This value doesn’t match the data validation restrictions for this cell.”
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