Data Validation in Google Forms

Google forms allows you to validate data, or enforce specific rules about response format. Below are some of the common validations teachers may want to apply to their classroom or professional Google Forms. For greater detail and a complete listing of options, visit Validate answers in your form in Google Help. Note: The below steps assume you are using new Forms.

To define a minimum or maximum character count for a text response:

1. Set the question type to Paragraph.
2. Open the data validation menu (two dots in lower right corner).
3. Choose Min or Max character count, enter the desired number.
4. Enter custom error text as desired.

To force a specific number of multiple select choices:

1. Set the question type is Checkboxes.
2. Open the data validation menu (two dots in lower right corner).
3. Choose at least, at most, or exactly.
4. Set number of checkboxes.
5. Enter custom error text as desired.

To limit grid response to one per column:

1. Let the question type is Multiple choice grid.
2. Open the data validation menu (two dots in lower right corner).
3. Choose Limit to one response per column.

To force email or URL as a text response:

1. Set the question type is Short answer.
2. Open the data validation menu (two dots in lower right corner).
3. Select Email address or URL.
4. Enter custom error text as desired.