Fix: This Value Doesn't Match the Data Validation

If you found this guide, you are probably an Excel user who has run into the error message this value doesn’t match the data validation. This Excel error is connected to data validation, a useful function that controls what you can enter into a cell.

Also, we have a detailed article to help you if your app bugs and Excel wouldn’t scroll. But for now, let’s fix the validation error.

Why do I get the error this value doesn’t match the data validation?

Users may experience this for any one of the following:

• If you try to enter values of the wrong data type.
• The data you are inputting is out of a specified range.
• You input data that is not part of a specified value list.
• If the data you input is in the wrong format.

Some users may consider resetting Excel to default settings if any of the above is the case. This may not be the most effective for data validation, but it can fix many other bugs.

How do I fix this value doesn’t match the data validation?

Before you continue to the solutions, consider the following:

• Input a value that matches the needed cell format or value.

However, if you do not want to use the workaround, continue to the solutions below.

1. Remove data validation

1. Select the cells that produce the error.
2. Click on the Data menu, and select the Data Validation icon.
   
3. Click the Clear All button on the popup window.
   
4. Input your data and see if you still get the error this value doesn’t match the data validation.

2. Turn off Error Alert

1. Select the cells that produce the error.
2. Click on the Data menu, and select the Data Validation icon.
3. Click the Error Alert tab, uncheck Show error alert after invalid data is entered, and click OK.
   
4. Input your data into an affected cell and see if the solution fixes the this value doesn’t match the data validation error.

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3. Edit the acceptable data

1. Select the cells that produce the error.
2. Click on the Data menu, and select the Data Validation icon.
3. Select the Settings tab, then adjust all the needed parameters to accommodate your entered data value.
   
4. Lastly, click OK.

What is the limit of data validation list in Excel?

Excel has no specified limits for data values; however, you should be mindful of the following:

• For a delimited list, the data validation dialog box’s character limit, including separators, is 256 characters.
• If you input the names in a range on a worksheet and set the Source of the Data Validation to that range, the list can have up to 32,767 items.

If you have read this far, you should no longer get the error message this value doesnt match the data validation.

Additionally, you might want to check out our other guide if you get the error notification Excel has run into an error.

We are curious to know what worked for you. So, please tell us using the comments section.