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How Do I Create a Date Data Validation in Google Sheets?

Published in Google Sheets 3 mins read

You can enforce specific date formats and ranges in your Google Sheets by using data validation. This ensures data consistency and prevents errors. Here's how:

1. Select the Cells

First, select the cells where you want to apply the date data validation.

2. Access Data Validation

  • Go to Data > Data validation.
  • This will open the data validation dialog box.

3. Choose Criteria

  • Criteria: Choose "Date" from the dropdown menu.
  • Date:
    • "is equal to": Use this to allow only a specific date.
    • "is not equal to": Use this to exclude a specific date.
    • "is before": Use this to allow dates before a specific date.
    • "is after": Use this to allow dates after a specific date.
    • "is on or before": Use this to allow dates on or before a specific date.
    • "is on or after": Use this to allow dates on or after a specific date.
    • "is between": Use this to allow dates within a specific range.
  • Value: Enter the date or date range you want to use. You can use a date format like mm/dd/yyyy or yyyy-mm-dd, or select a date directly from the calendar icon.

4. Set Reject Input

  • Reject input: Select "on invalid data" to prevent users from entering invalid dates. This is the recommended setting for data validation.
  • Show error message: You can optionally add an error message to explain the date format or range requirements.

5. Apply Validation

  • Click "Save" to apply the data validation to your selected cells.

Example:

Let's say you want to ensure all dates entered in column A are within the year 2023.

  1. Select column A.
  2. Go to Data > Data validation.
  3. Choose "Date" for Criteria.
  4. Select "is between" and enter 2023-01-01 and 2023-12-31 for the Value.
  5. Select "on invalid data" for Reject input.
  6. Click "Save".

Now, any date entered in column A outside the range of January 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2023, will be rejected.

Practical Insights:

  • You can use data validation to create custom date formats. For example, you can enforce a specific date format like mm/dd/yyyy or yyyy-mm-dd.
  • You can use data validation to create dynamic date ranges. For example, you can use formulas to calculate the start and end dates of a range based on other cells.
  • Data validation can help you avoid errors and ensure data consistency in your spreadsheets.

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