Using a Drop Down List for Data Validation in Excel
Related Tutorial: Text only version - Creating a Drop Down List in Excel
Excel's data validation options include creating a drop down list that limits the data that can be entered into a specific cell to a pre-set list of entries.
The benefits for using a drop down list for data validation include:
- making data entry easier
- preventing data entry errors
- restricting the number of locations for entering data
Click on the Down Arrow
When a drop-down list is added to a cell, an arrow is displayed next to it. Clicking on the arrow will open the list and allow you to select one of the list items to enter into the cell.
The items that are added to the list can be located on
Excel Drop Down List Step by Step Tutorial
In this tutorial we will create a drop down list using a list of entries located on the same worksheet as the list itself.
Part 2 of this tutorial covers the steps to creating a drop down list using data located on a different worksheet.
Following the steps in the tutorial topics below walks you through creating, using, and changing the drop down list seen in the image above.
Tutorial Topics
