Limiting Data Entry to Number of Cells in a Column

Hi,

I'm struggling, so hopefully someone can help!

I am trying to limit the number of cells in a column that can have data entered into them. I'm assuming this can be done by a custom data validation formula, although I am not having any luck in doing this so far.

Essentially, if there are a 100 cells in columns V1:V100 - I want someone to be able to insert data into 10 of those cells, but be prevented from entering any more. The data is likely to be text, but it could be numeric, if this makes this any easier. Having a data validation style error message pop-up when someone tries to record data in more than 10 would be nice to have, but not essential.

Thanks!

cd254

look at data validation in A1:A10 in the file
=COUNTA($A$1:$A$10)<=3

Perfect! Thanks so much.

Thanks again for this, very useful.

Is it possible to add another layer of data validation, so that it limits the number of cells that can be completed (as you have done above), but also limits the text that can be recorded in the cell. Ideally, the person using the spreadsheet will only be able to type HIPO (or select from a drop down), as well as only being able to do this 10 times.