How to Create a Drop-Down List in MS Excel

Create a drop-down list in Excel by using data validation.

Create a drop-down list in Microsoft Excel by using data validation. Data validation lets you specify the information needed for a cell or range of cells. Once the data validation criteria is specified, you can create an input message and error message. The input message can guide the user on your spreadsheet. It gives them instructions on what is needed in the cell. The error message is your own custom error message that appears when the user enters something besides what is in the drop-down list.

Instructions

1. Open Excel 2007 and click a blank cell in the workbook. Select the "Data" tab and select "Data Validation." A drop-down list appears. Click "Data Validation." On the "Setting" tab, change the Allow field to "List." In the source field, type "yes,no,maybe."

2. Click the "Input Message" tab. Click "Show input message when the cell is selected." Add a title for your input message in the "Title" field. Add a custom input message in the "Input Message" notes field.

3. Click the "Error Message" tab. Click "Show error message when invalid data is entered." Add a title for your error message in the "Title" field. Add a custom input message in the "Error Message" notes field. Select a style for your error message in the "Style" drop-down list. Click "OK."

4. Click the cell where you started the data validation process. Notice the drop-down list that appears. You also will see the input message.

References

• Microsoft: Create a drop-down list from a range of cells

Resources

• Microsoft: Excel How To & Help