Data Validation

[Jeff Gentry]

I want to use the custom feature under "allow" in data validation so that before a value can be entered in cell d4, there must be a date entered in cell a3. Please note that I have applied data validation in cell a3 so that it will only accept dates in the following format xx/xx/xx. What would be my formula under the custom option to make this happen? I thank you in advance for your time!

 

[Jerry Sullivan]

Hi Jeff, Try:

=SUM(A3)>0

This is trickier than it first appeared.

There are many different formulas that work when Ignore Blanks is unchecked.
Such as:

=ISBLANK(A3)=FALSE
=LEN(A3)>0

However, when Ignore Blanks is checked these forumulas don't restrict
a user from entering values in D4, even if A3 is blank.
(It's as if the Ignore Blanks was extending to A3 as a dependent cell).

SUM seems to get around this though.

 

[peazmo]

try this in D4,

Data Validation > Settings > Allow > Custom

in Formula type: =A3<>""

Uncheck Ignore Blank.