Data validation for controlling scenarios and inputs

Data validation is often used for controlling scenarios or key model inputs. A little drop down box appears next to the cell and you can pick the scenario number or input.

Data validation examples

In the first example here data validation is being used to control scenarios:

Here's a second example where data validation being used to control the input month number. You can change the month number and you'll get a different set of (imagine budget) numbers appearing.

How to set up data validation

Setting up data validation is easy. Here's how it's been done for the first example (scenarios):

• Step 1: create a list. The first step is to create a list as per the one you can see in cells A22 through A24 in the first example. Type out your inputs one on top of the other
• Step 2: assign data validation. The next step is to assign data validation to cell A5. Go: Data > Data Tools > Data Validation. Under "Allow" select "List". Under "Source" point to and select the list you've just created.

That's it! It's easy!

If you want you can add an "Input Message" and an "Error Alert" but those are entirely optional.

The input message will float above A5 and provide some extra instructions (and an extra signal that data validation is attached).

The error alert will display e.g. if someone tried to enter an input the model couldn't cope with such as the value "4".

The input message and the error alert are entirely optional though and data validation will work fine without them.

Data validation is great!

The?great thing about data validation is the fact that you can use it to control key inputs in your model, instantly making your model more user-friendly. It's super-easy to set up.