In the example shown, the data validation applied to B5:B9 is: where ids is the named range B5:B9. The AND function takes multiple arguments (logical expressions) and returns TRUE only when all arguments return TRUE. In this case, we need two conditions: Logical 1 tests if the input is a number using the ISNUMBER function: The ISNUMBER function returns TRUE when a value is numeric and FALSE if not. Logical 2 tests checks that the input doesn’t already exist in the named range “ids”: COUNTIF returns a count of the value in B5 inside the named range ids (B5:B9). If the count is less than 2, the logical expression returns TRUE. If both logical expressions return TRUE, the AND function returns TRUE and validation succeeds: If either logical returns FALSE, data validation fails. Be aware that numeric input includes dates and times, whole numbers, and decimal values. Note: Cell references in data validation formulas are relative to the upper left cell in the range selected when the validation rule is defined, in this case B5.
Dave Bruns
Hi - I’m Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.
