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Learn how to create a drop down list inside an Excel cell

A drop down list enables you to choose a value from a list, instead of typing it.
Here is an example of a drop down list that was created in cell B3. Clicking the small arrow next to the cell, will open the list:

An example of an Excel spreadsheet with a cell containing a drop down list

Creating a drop down list in Excel 2007:

1. Write the list somewhere inside the worksheet. It is recommended to have it sorted alphabetically in ascending order, for this is the order in which they will appear in the drop down list.

Write the list, and sort it in ascending order


2. Name the list, by selecting its range and writing its name in the name box. In this example we named it "cities":

Naming the list


3. Select the cell in which you want the drop down list to appear. In this example we selected cell B2:

Selecting the cell for the list to appear in


4. Choose the "Data" tab from the ribbon.

Choosing the Data tab on the ribbon


5. Click the "Data Validation" button.
It will look like one of the two following examples, depends on your screen resolution:

The data validation button image 1

OR:

The data validation button image 2


6. A dialog box will appear. Click the words "Any value" and choose "List".

The data validation dialog box


7. Click inside the "Source" text field, and write =the name you gave to the list (in our example: =cities).

Writing the name of the list in the dialog box


8. Click the OK button.

Done! Now you have a drop down list inside your selected cell.

Cell B2 contains a ready to use drop down list.
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