What is the purpose of validation in Excel?

The purpose of validation in Excel is to ensure correct data entry. When you apply data validation to a cell or range of cells, you set rules that define what kind of data can be entered. This could include restricting entries to a specific type (such as whole numbers, dates, or a list of predefined options) or setting limits on the values that can be entered.

By implementing validation, you help prevent data entry errors and maintain data integrity in your spreadsheets. For example, if you have a field for ages, you could validate that only numbers between 0 and 120 are entered, thus avoiding unrealistic or erroneous data. This functionality is particularly useful in maintaining accurate records, especially if multiple users are inputting data.

The other options describe different functions in Excel: formatting changes how cells appear, creating visual representations involves charts and graphs, and calculating averages is a mathematical operation rather than a method for ensuring data accuracy.