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Budget Limit in Excel - Step by Step Tutorial

The document provides a tutorial on how to set a budget limit in Excel using data validation and the SUM function. It details the steps to apply data validation to a specific range to ensure the total does not exceed $100, including creating an absolute reference. Additionally, it explains how to set up an error alert for exceeding the budget limit.

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adel.briggs34
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29 views5 pages

Budget Limit in Excel - Step by Step Tutorial

The document provides a tutorial on how to set a budget limit in Excel using data validation and the SUM function. It details the steps to apply data validation to a specific range to ensure the total does not exceed $100, including creating an absolute reference. Additionally, it explains how to set up an error alert for exceeding the budget limit.

Uploaded by

adel.briggs34
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Budget Limit in Excel


To avoid exceeding a budget limit in Excel, simply use data validation and the SUM
function.
1. Select the range B2:B8.

Note: cell B10 contains a SUM function that calculates the sum of the range B2:B8.
2. On the Data tab, in the Data Tools group, click Data Validation.

3. In the Allow list, click Custom.


4. In the Formula box, enter the formula shown below and click OK.

Explanation: the sum of the range B2:B8 may not exceed the budget limit of $100.
Therefore, we apply data validation to the range B2:B8 (not cell B10!) because this
is where the values are entered. Because we selected the range B2:B8 before we
clicked on Data Validation, Excel automatically copies the formula to the other
cells. Notice how we created an absolute reference ($B$2:$B$8) to lock this
reference.
5. To check this, select cell B3 and click Data Validation.

As you can see, this cell also contains the correct formula.
6. Enter the value 30 into cell B7.
Result: Excel shows an error alert. You cannot exceed your budget limit of $100.

Note: to enter an error alert message, go to the Error Alert tab.


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