Excel Tips and Tricks / Business Reporting Question: I would like to ensure that the end date is greater than the start date? Can this be done in MS Excel?

Answer: Using Data Validation

Why: When entering project tasks the end date has to be greater than the start date

Applies To: Excel 2003, 2007, 2010

1. Refer to the data given below:

2. Select the range; C2:C8.

3. From the Data tab, in the Data Tools group, select Data Validation.

4. Select as below:

5. Select the OK button.

6. Enter 01/01/2011 in cell C2.An error message given below will be displayed since 01/01/2011 is less than 14/01/2011.

Thus one is able to ensure that the data that users enter into a worksheet conforms to certain standards by enforcing the data validation rule.