Using 2003:
Select the range you want this rule to apply to then go to data, then
validation.

On the settings tab of the dialogue that comes up, under the allow field,
choose 'text length' then set your minimum and maximum (which can be cell
references if you want).

On the error alert tab, put "Too Many Characters"

If you are applying this to a list that has already been typed and you turn
on the formula auditing toolbar, there will be a button for circle invalid
data. If you click it, all entries greater than D3 will be circled.

"Steve" wrote:

Using 2003. Thanks.
--
Steve


"~L" wrote:

Data Validation supports minimum and maximum entry lengths. Have you taken a
look at that?

You can find it in the data menu (or tab in 2007).

You can even have custom error and input messages.

"Steve" wrote:

=IF(LEN(C3)<=D3,"Entry Acceptable","Too Many Characters")
C3 starts off empty and is an input field. D3 is the maximum number of
characters including spaces allowed.
Trying to add another step to formula that if cell C3 is blank/empty no
result would be shown.
--
Steve