Which feature limits the type of data that can be entered into a cell in Google Sheets?

Data Validation in Google Sheets is a feature that allows users to set specific rules about what data can be entered into a cell. By using data validation, you can restrict entries to certain types of data, such as numbers, dates, text of a specific length, or values from a dropdown list. This helps maintain the integrity of the data being collected, ensuring that only proper entries are made according to the defined criteria.

For instance, if you want to ensure that a cell only accepts numeric values, you can set a data validation rule that does precisely that. Similarly, if you want to create a dropdown list for standardized responses, data validation allows you to do this effectively.

The other features mentioned, such as cell formatting, data sorting, and conditional formatting, serve different purposes. Cell formatting changes the appearance of the data within the cell (e.g., font color, style), data sorting organizes the data in a specific order without restricting what can be entered, and conditional formatting changes the cell's appearance based on the data entered, rather than limiting the types of data that can be entered in the first place. Hence, data validation specifically focuses on setting constraints for data entry.