Dropdown lists are essential for controlling data entry. They prevent typos (e.g., stopping users from typing "USA", "U.S.A.", and "United States" for the same country) and make spreadsheets easier to use.
The Quick Method (Data Validation)
- Select the cell(s) where you want the dropdown list.
- Go to the Data tab on the Ribbon.
- Click Data Validation.
- Under Allow, select List.
- In the Source box, you can either:
- Type options separated by commas (e.g.,
Yes,No,Maybe). - Or, select a range of cells that contains your list options (e.g.,
=Sheet2!$A$1:$A$10).
- Type options separated by commas (e.g.,
- Click OK.
💡 Pro Tip: Clean your data first!
If you are creating a dropdown source from an existing column, make sure to remove duplicates first so your list is clean.
If you are creating a dropdown source from an existing column, make sure to remove duplicates first so your list is clean.
How to Edit or Remove a Dropdown
To remove a list, simply select the cell, go back to Data Validation, and click the Clear All button.
Need a Dynamic Formula?
Want a dropdown that changes based on another cell (Dependent Dropdowns)? That requires complex formulas
like INDIRECT or FILTER.
Describe your logic to our AI, and it will generate the validation formula for you.