Create a Cell Drop-Down List in Excel with Data Validation

24/05/2015 13:17

Create a Cell Drop-Down List in Excel with Data Validation

Adding a drop-down list to a cell or range using Data Validation is a simple matter. Data Validation is used to define restrictions on what data can or should be entered into a cell. Here we'll use a List to restrict what values can be entered into a cell.

Create a Drop-Down List for a Cell or Range

Select the cell or range you want to use for a drop-down list, then

  • Choose Data Validation from the Data Tools group on the Data tab
  • Select the Settings tab
  • In the Allow box, select List
  • Click the Source box
  • Type in a list of values separated by a comma
  • Make sure the In-cell dropdown box is checked
  • Click OK

Data Validation dialog box Settings

The list I created was for cell A1, which is shown below.

Cell Drop-Down Manual List

List Data Sources

Manually entering the source data for the list is probably the least desirable method. A better way is to put the list in a range, then refer to the range.

Data Validation list source range

The same list data was put into the range J1:J6, then I changed the source reference to these cells. This is a better method than manually entering the values, but older versions of Excel require the list to be on the same worksheet. One way around this, and a better solution, is to give the List range a Name.

Data Validation list source Named rangeYou can give the List range a Name then use it for the Source. For example, I selected the range J1:J6 then typed TheNames into the Name box, thereby creating a Named Range. On the Data Validation dialog box I typed in =TheNames into the Source box.

Now let's assume that we have to add a couple more names to the list. Instead of changing every cell that references this Data Validation list, we just change the reference to the Named Range. (Choose Formulas > Name Manager, select the Named Range, change the reference in the Refers to box, then click the green arrow to make the change and click Close.)

But if the list will grow over time, changing the reference should be done automatically with a dynamic Named Range formula. We'll do this by using the OFFSET formula.

  • Choose Formulas > Name Manager
  • Select New
  • Type a Name in the Name box (I'll use myNamesList)
  • In the Refers to box type =OFFSET(Sheet1!$J$1,0,0,COUNTA(Sheet1!$J:$J),1)
  • Click OK

Now select the cell or range with Data Validation and,

  • Choose Data > Data Validation
  • Select the Settings tab
  • In the Source box type in =myNamesList (or the Name you created)
  • Click OK

This Named Range formula is dynamic, which means the source list will expand when names are added to the list. If the list contains more than 8 values the drop-down list will have a scroll bar.

Data Validation list source range expanded

Hopefully you can now create a drop-down list that will meet your needs.



Source: https://excelsemipro.com/2011/02/create-a-cell-drop-down-list-in-excel-with-data-validation/

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