Which feature in Google Sheets assists with data entry to match specific criteria?

Data Validation is the feature in Google Sheets that assists with data entry to match specific criteria. This tool allows users to set rules for what data can be entered into a cell or range of cells, ensuring that inputs adhere to defined standards. For instance, you can restrict entries to a specific list of options, set a range of acceptable values, or enforce a particular format, such as dates or numbers. This helps maintain data consistency and accuracy by preventing users from entering inappropriate data.

By setting up Data Validation, educators can create forms for students or co-workers that make it easy to select from predetermined options, reducing errors and ensuring compliance with criteria. This is particularly useful in collaborative settings where multiple users may interact with the same spreadsheet.

In contrast, Filters are used for viewing subsets of data rather than guiding the data entry process, Sorting organizes data but does not restrict entries, and Conditional Formatting highlights data based on certain conditions but does not control or limit what can be entered in cells.