Digging into Excel's Data Validation Feature (Completed)

Learn from Excel expert David Ringstrom, CPA, how to implement multiple techniques to create spreadsheets that are interactive, accurate, and user friendly. In this presentation, David explains how to use the Data Validation feature to limit what users can input into a given worksheet cell. Data Validation also enables you to create on-screen documentation that appears when the user clicks on a cell, or if they enter an invalid value.

David demonstrates every technique at least twice: first, on a PowerPoint slide with numbered steps, and second, in the subscription-based Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) version of Excel. David draws your attention to any differences in the older versions of Excel (2021, 2019, 2016 and earlier) during the presentation as well as in his detailed handouts. David also provides an Excel workbook that includes most of the examples he uses during the webcast.

Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based product that provides new feature updates as often as monthly. Conversely, the perpetual licensed versions of Excel have feature sets that don't change. Perpetual licensed versions have year numbers, such as Excel 2021, Excel 2019, and so on.

Who Should Attend
Practitioners who want to learn how to create user-friendly, interactive spreadsheets.

Topics Covered

• Bringing Excel's green error-checking prompts under control by managing the underlying rules.
• Copying formulas efficiently down one or more columns at the same time
• Discerning the nuance of entering text into worksheet cells
• Getting oriented with Excel's grid of rows and columns
• Handling situations where numbers are presented as # signs on-screen and in Print Preview
• Jump-starting spreadsheet projects using free, prebuilt templates in Excel
• Learning about the different types of files you can create in Excel
• Learning the nuances of copying formulas within Excel spreadsheets
• Managing column widths within your spreadsheets
• Mastering Excel's order of operations for mathematical formulas
• Navigating large workbooks with ease by way of a hidden menu as well as keyboard shortcuts
• Preventing errors from the start by choosing from thousands of free Excel spreadsheet templates

Learning Objectives

• Apply Excel's Table feature to minimize spreadsheet maintenance
• Recall how to restrict users from entering dates within a given range
• Identify invalid inputs within an Excel worksheet

Level
Intermediate

Instructional Method
Group: Internet-based

NASBA Field of Study
Computer Software & Applications (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
Experience Working with Excel Spreadsheets

Advance Preparation
None