How do you format and validate data in Google Sheets?

1 Formatting data

Formatting data means changing the way it looks, such as the font, color, size, alignment, and number format. You can format data in Google Sheets using the toolbar, the menu, or the sidebar. For example, you can use the toolbar to change the font style, size, and color of your data. You can use the menu to apply number formats, such as currency, percentage, or date. You can use the sidebar to access more formatting options, such as conditional formatting, which lets you apply different formats based on rules or criteria. Formatting data can help you make your spreadsheets more readable, consistent, and professional.

2 Validating data

Validating data means checking or restricting the type of data that can be entered or selected in a cell or a range of cells. You can validate data in Google Sheets using the data validation feature, which is available in the menu under Data > Data validation. For example, you can use data validation to create a drop-down list of options, such as yes or no, or a list of names or categories. You can also use data validation to set criteria for the data, such as numbers between a certain range, text containing a certain word, or dates before or after a certain date. Validating data can help you prevent errors, ensure consistency, and simplify data entry.

3 Formatting and validating data with formulas

You can also use formulas to format and validate data in Google Sheets. Formulas are expressions that perform calculations or operations on data and return a result. You can use formulas to format and validate data in two ways: by entering them directly in a cell or by using them as custom rules or criteria in the formatting or validation features. For example, you can enter a formula in a cell to calculate the sum, average, or count of a range of cells. You can also use a formula as a custom rule for conditional formatting or as a custom criterion for data validation. Using formulas can help you automate and enhance your formatting and validation tasks.

4 Formatting and validating data with scripts

Another way to format and validate data in Google Sheets is by using scripts. Scripts are pieces of code that can perform actions or tasks on your spreadsheet. You can use scripts to format and validate data by writing your own code or by using existing code from the script editor, which is available in the menu under Tools > Script editor. For example, you can use scripts to format and validate data based on triggers, such as opening the spreadsheet, editing a cell, or clicking a button. You can also use scripts to format and validate data based on conditions, such as the value, type, or location of the data. Using scripts can help you customize and extend your formatting and validation capabilities.

5 Formatting and validating data with add-ons

The last way to format and validate data in Google Sheets is by using add-ons. Add-ons are third-party applications or extensions that can add extra functionality or features to your spreadsheet. You can use add-ons to format and validate data by installing them from the add-ons store, which is available in the menu under Add-ons > Get add-ons. For example, you can use add-ons to format and validate data based on templates, styles, or formats that are not available in Google Sheets. You can also use add-ons to format and validate data based on rules, criteria, or functions that are not supported by Google Sheets. Using add-ons can help you save time and effort and access more formatting and validation options.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?