Which option best describes data validation in spreadsheets?

Which option best describes data validation in spreadsheets?

• A. A feature that formats numbers as currency.
• B. A feature that restricts input to a defined set of values or ranges.
• C. A tool to automatically delete invalid rows.
• D. A function to transpose data.

Answer: (B)

Data validation controls what can be entered into cells by restricting input to a defined set of values or a specific range. This helps keep data clean and consistent, preventing typos or entries that don’t fit the expected type. For example, you might require a column to accept only certain statuses (like Open, In Progress, or Closed), or you might set a date field to only allow dates within a certain range. The system can also show an error message if someone tries to enter something outside the allowed criteria, guiding them to correct the input. This isn’t about formatting numbers as currency, deleting invalid rows automatically, or transposing data. Those are separate features with different purposes.

Data validation controls what can be entered into cells by restricting input to a defined set of values or a specific range. This helps keep data clean and consistent, preventing typos or entries that don’t fit the expected type. For example, you might require a column to accept only certain statuses (like Open, In Progress, or Closed), or you might set a date field to only allow dates within a certain range. The system can also show an error message if someone tries to enter something outside the allowed criteria, guiding them to correct the input.

This isn’t about formatting numbers as currency, deleting invalid rows automatically, or transposing data. Those are separate features with different purposes.