Thanks. That worked great for prohibiting entries under B, L, and S
together. I think I was unclear on the other part. Users are entering an x
under columns like a check mark, and they may select a maximum of 3 columns
to enter their x under (from the choices B, M, L, A, S and E). I was using
data validation to prohibit more than 3 column selections using this:
=COUNTA($B$4:$G$4)<4. Is there any way to combine both your formula and this
one with data validation? Thanks so much, I appreciate your help!

"T. Valko" wrote:

Users are supposed to enter an X, but are not
prohibited from entering a different value.

prohibits X's from being entered under more
than 3 of the 6 columns

So, I guess that means a user can enter 3 Xs and up to 3 other entries for
the other 3 cells?

Try this:

=AND(COUNTIF($B4:$G4,"x")<=3,($B4="x")+($D4="x")+( $F4="x")<3)

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"JStiehl" wrote in message
...
The actual colums are B4 through G4. Users are supposed to enter an X,
but
are not prohibited from entering a different value. Thanks for your help!

"T. Valko" wrote:

I have six columns titled B, M, L, A, S, E.

What are the *actual* columns being used? Are the columns a contiguous
range?

Is the only allowable entry a X?

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"JStiehl" wrote in message
...
I have six columns titled B, M, L, A, S, E. I have a data validation
that
prohibits X's from being entered under more than 3 of the 6 columns per
row.
I need another data validation that prohibits users from entering their
3
X's
under the columns B, L, and S together (all other combinations are
fine).
Any help is much appreciated.