How to Create Dropdown Lists in Excel (Data Validation)

How to Create Dropdown Lists in Excel (Data Validation)

Want to control what data users enter in a cell? Use Excel’s dropdown lists to make your sheets cleaner and more reliable.

🎯 Why Use Dropdown Lists?

• Reduces manual data entry errors
• Standardizes values (e.g., "Yes", "No", or "Pending")
• Makes forms and dashboards easier to use

🧩 Steps to Create a Dropdown List:

1. Select the cell(s) where you want the dropdown.
2. Go to Data → Data Validation.
3. Under "Allow", choose List.
4. In "Source", type your list items separated by commas (e.g., Yes,No,Pending), or reference a cell range.
5. Click OK — now you have a dropdown!

🧠 Pro Tip:

If your source list may change, keep it on another sheet and name the range. Use =YourNamedRange in the source.

✅ You’ve now made your Excel sheet smarter and cleaner. Keep improving with more Excel tips every day.

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