How to Create a Drop-Down List in Excel: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a drop-down list in Excel is a great way to make data entry easier more efficient. It also helps to ensure that data is entered correctly consistently. In this article we’ll show you how to create a drop-down list in Excel in just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Create a List of Options
The first step in creating a drop-down list in Excel is to create a list of options that you want to appear in the drop-down menu. This list should be in a separate column in your spreadsheet. For example if you’re creating a drop-down list of colors you might have a column with the following options: Red Blue Green Yellow Orange Purple.
Step 2: Select the Cells You Want to Include in the Drop-Down List
Once you’ve created your list of options select the cells that you want to include in the drop-down list. This could be a single cell or a range of cells.
Step 3: Open the Data Validation Window
Next open the Data Validation window by going to the Data tab selecting Data Validation.
Step 4: Select List as the Validation Criteria
In the Data Validation window select List as the Validation Criteria. This will allow you to create a drop-down list in the selected cells.
Step 5: Enter the Range of Cells Containing Your List of Options
In the Source field enter the range of cells containing your list of options. For example if your list of options is in cells A1 to A6 you would enter “A1:A6” in the Source field.
Step 6: Click OK
Once you’ve entered the range of cells containing your list of options click OK. This will create a drop-down list in the selected cells.
Step 7: Test the Drop-Down List
Finally test the drop-down list to make sure it’s working correctly. You should be able to select an option from the list have it appear in the cell.
Conclusion
Creating a drop-down list in Excel is a great way to make data entry easier more efficient. By following the steps outlined in this article you can quickly easily create a drop-down list in Excel.
