Part IV: Using Advanced Excel Features
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l (^) Text Length: The length of the data (number of characters) is limited. You specify a valid
length by using the Data drop-down list. For example, you can specify that the length of
the entered data be 1 (a single alphanumeric character).
l Custom: To use this option, you must supply a logical formula that determines the valid-
ity of the user’s entry (a logical formula returns either TRUE or FALSE). You can enter the
formula directly into the Formula control (which appears when you select the Custom
option), or you can specify a cell reference that contains a formula. This chapter contains
examples of useful formulas.
The Settings tab of the Data Validation dialog box contains two other check boxes:
l Ignore Blank: If selected, blank entries are allowed.
l (^) Apply These Changes to All Other Cells with the Same Setting: If selected, the
changes you make apply to all other cells that contain the original data validation criteria.
Tip
The Data ➪ Data Tools ➪ Data Validation drop-down list contains an item named Circle Invalid Data. When
you select this item, circles appear around cells that contain incorrect entries. If you correct an invalid entry,
the circle disappears. To get rid of the circles, choose Data ➪ Data Tools ➪ Data Validation ➪ Clear Validation
Circles. In Figure 25.3, invalid entries are defined as values that are greater than 100. n
FIGURE 25.3
Excel can draw circles around invalid entries (in this case, cells that contain values greater than 100).