Formula Errors

Fix SharePoint List Validation Formula Disappearing for Two Date Columns

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs a SharePoint list validation formula that ensures at least one of two date columns is filled, but the entered formula is being deleted automatically after saving.

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Configuring list validation settings to require user input in at least one of two specified date columns.
Observed behavior: The validation formula disappears or is rejected immediately after attempting to save the list settings.

Before you start

Ensure you have 'Design' or 'Full Control' permissions for the SharePoint list, and verify the exact internal names of your two date columns before proceeding.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the OR and ISBLANK Functions in Validation Settings

Apply the correct formula syntax using internal column names to prevent SharePoint from rejecting and deleting the validation rule.

SharePoint often deletes validation formulas if they contain syntax errors or if they reference incorrect column names. It is critical to use the internal column names rather than the display names, especially if the names contain spaces or special characters.

Access List Settings

Navigate to your SharePoint list, click the Gear icon in the top right corner, and select 'List settings'.

Open Validation Settings

Under the General Settings section, click on 'Validation settings'.

Enter the Validation Formula

In the Formula box, enter =OR(NOT(ISBLANK([Column1])),NOT(ISBLANK([Column2]))). Replace 'Column1' and 'Column2' with the exact internal names of your date columns.

Add a User Message and Save

Enter a custom user message, such as 'Please enter at least one date', in the User Message box, then click 'Save'.

Finding Internal Column Names: To find an internal column name, go to List Settings, click on the column name, and look at the URL in your browser. The internal name is the text that appears exactly after 'Field=' at the end of the URL.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my SharePoint list validation formula disappear after clicking save?

SharePoint automatically clears the formula box if there is a syntax error, if it references an invalid column name, or if the formula uses display names instead of the required internal column names.

How do special characters affect SharePoint formulas?

Special characters or spaces in list or column names are often encoded (e.g., spaces become '_x0020_'). If these are not referenced correctly using the exact internal name, the formula will fail and be deleted.

Can I use list validation to compare dates in SharePoint?

Yes, you can use comparison operators like greater than (>) or less than (<) within the validation settings to ensure, for example, that a start date always occurs before an end date.

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