Drop Down Menu in Cell / Data Validation List

Objective

You need a Drop Down menu linked with a cell, that will show choices to user to Select, instead of typing.

This is useful when there are limited number of options to choose from.

Prerequisites

Basic Excel knowledge.

Let’s do it

1.1.      Basic Data Validation

1.1.1. Select Cell(s) where you want to apply data validation

1.1.2. Goto DV Menu

1.1.3. Standard DV window will appear:

1.1.4. Now You need to choose ‘List’ in Dropdown menu instead of ‘Any Value’:

1.1.5. List options will appear:

 

1.1.6. In the List options, you will need to select the source of options that will be available to the user. This refers to specific cells, either you can type or use Mouse to select cells.

You can also explore “Input Message” and “Error Alert” tabs to understand customization levels

1.1.7. Once Done, whenever cursor is moved to DV applicable cell, a drop down arrow will appear:

 

1.1.8. If you click on arrow, list of choices will be visible:

 

1.1.9. User can either Type or Select from drop down menu. Thus errors of typing etc. are minimized.

Sample Workbook          

See also: (Links not activated yet)

1)  Multiple Down Down Menus - Inter-dependent options