excel

[pacwood]

I have an excel spreadsheet that has eight cells that require data.
The calculations are based on the data being filled in a specific
order. (ie: (a) 1st, then (b) then (c) then (d) etc.). How do I block
entry (gray out, lock, whatever) from all cells until the prior
cell(s) have been filled in first? So . . . you can't fill data in
(b, c, d, e, f, g, h) until (a) has data, you can't fill data in (c,
d, e, f, g, h until (a & b) have data. ???

 

[JE McGimpsey]

I have an excel spreadsheet that has eight cells that require data.
The calculations are based on the data being filled in a specific
order. (ie: (a) 1st, then (b) then (c) then (d) etc.). How do I block
entry (gray out, lock, whatever) from all cells until the prior
cell(s) have been filled in first? So . . . you can't fill data in
(b, c, d, e, f, g, h) until (a) has data, you can't fill data in (c,
d, e, f, g, h until (a & b) have data. ???

One way:

Select, say, B2:H100 (or whatever rows you want, but I'll assume that B2
is the active cell below). Choose Data/Validation:

Allow: Custom
Formula: =COUNTA($A2:A2)=(COLUMN()-1)

Set an input message or error alert if desired.