Create a drop down list of items in a cell, to make data entry easier, and reduce input errors and typing mistakes. Video tutorials and step by step instructions are below
In Excel, the data validation feature helps you control what can be entered in your worksheet. For example, you can:
In this tutorial, you'll see how to create a drop down list of choices in a cell.
To create a drop down list in Excel 2010, you can name a list of items, based on a named Excel table. Then, use that list as the source for the Data Validation drop down list. If you don't want to create a named table, you can follow the instructions in the named range section below.
Watch the steps in this short video, and the written instructions are below the video
With Data Validation, you can create a dropdown list of options in a cell. Although you can type the list directly into the Data Validation dialog box, it's best to use a table on the worksheet, as described below.
NOTE: A data validation list can show up to show 32,767 items from a list on the worksheet.
Note: Data validation is not foolproof. It can be circumvented by pasting data into the cell, or by choosing Clear > Clear All, on the Ribbon's Home tab.
The easiest way to create and maintain the list of options, is to type them on a worksheet. You can do this on the sheet that will contain the drop down lists, or on a different sheet. In this example, the list will be stored on a sheet named Lists.
The table is now a Named Excel Table.
Next, you will create a named range that does not include the heading cell in the table. This named range will be dynamic -- it will adjust automatically if items are added to or deleted from the list.
Now that you have created a named range, you can use that to create a drop down list in one or more cells
If you prefer not to create a named Excel table, you can create a named range, and use that as the source for a drop down list. The drop down lists can be on the same sheet as the source list, or on a different sheet.
Please watch this video to see the steps.
Instead of referring to a list of items on the worksheet, you can type the list in the Source box, separated by commas. For example:
To allow users to type items that are not in the list., turn off the Error Alert.
You can download the sample 2010 file here: Drop Down List Excel 2010
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Last updated: May 19, 2015 4:04 PM