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Add a drop down list in Excel with multiple selections

August 1, 2022
10.6K Views

You need to know to add a drop down list in excel because it is an easy way to control all the values you enter in a cell. You can make a drop-down list in Excel in several ways to handle this program perfectly.

If you don't know much about using Excel, don't worry, you can learn with various easy methods like add a drop down list in excel quickly. You must practice each step of how to add a drop down list in excel so that you become a great expert in using this program.

How to add a list in Excel manually?

If you want to know a simple alternative to how to add a drop down list in excel, then the fastest way is to do it manually.

1. Select a range or cell of cells where you want to create your dropdown list.

2. Go to the Data tab; within the Data Tools Commands group, you must choose the data validation icon. Where the data validation dialogue box is located, you must select the list as the validation criteria within the configuration tab.

4. Where the source field is, enter the options, separated by commas. You have to make sure the dropdown alternative in the cell is checked.

5. Click OK. This will create a dropdown list in the selected cells. Be sure to also learn about how to add a drop down list in excel 2019.

How do reference data with other cells?

There is also another option: you can create a dropdown menu in Excel at the time using a range of cells from the source data for your validation list. This way, you can practice how to add a drop down list in excel at all times.

1. First, you must set up a list or source somewhere else. The source data has been entered using cells A2 and A7 in another worksheet called source within the same workbook.

2. Select the range or cell of cells where you want to create your dropdown list.

3. Go to the Data tab within the data tool command group, and choose the data validation icon.

4. Choose List as a validation criteria

5. Where is the Source field, enter the range that has the list of values that you are going to use as your dropdown list. Then click OK.

How to create a dropdown list with values that are separated by commas?

This will be a pretty quick option for you to create a drop down box in various versions of add a drop down list in excel 2016.

1. Select a range or cell for your dropdown list.

2. Use data validation so you can create a dropdown list. Where the Excel ribbon is located, navigate to the Data tab, data tools group, and click Data Validation.

3. Enter the elements of the list and then select the options. This will help you to know how it works add a drop down list in excel online.

Advanced Techniques: Creating Dynamic Drop-Down Lists

Step 1: Open the excel sheet that contain the data

Step 2: On the ribbon menu, go to Formulas tab and click on Define name

Excel Define name


Step 3: In the new name dialog box;

  • In the "Name" box, enter a descriptive name for your dynamic range.

  • From the "Scope" dropdown menu, choose the scope for the name. In most cases, selecting "Workbook" (default) is recommended.

  • In the "Refers to" box, enter either the OFFSET COUNTA formula or the INDEX COUNTA formula, depending on your specific needs.

New Name dialog box

Step 4: Once all the details have been added, Click on “OK”

Excel entering new name with formula

Step 5: Users can then check their dynamic named ranges by entering the COUNTA formula in an empty cell to count the number of entries under “Item”

Excel COUNTA formula

Step 6: We will add an extra entry under “Item” to verify our dynamic named ranges.

Ranges Named Ranges

Benefits of create drop down list in excel with multiple selections

When it comes to using Excel, implementing drop-down lists with multiple selections can offer several advantages for students. Here are three key benefits to consider:

  • Enhanced Data Accuracy: By enabling users to select multiple options from a predefined list, drop-down lists with multiple selections help to enhance data accuracy. Students can choose all relevant options simultaneously, reducing the chances of manual entry errors. This ensures consistent and error-free data input.

  • Improved Data Consistency: In collaborative settings where multiple users are working with the same Excel workbook, drop-down lists with multiple selections promote data consistency. All users can select options from the same list, eliminating variations and discrepancies in data representation. This fosters a standardized approach to data entry and analysis.

  • Efficient Data Entry: Drop-down lists with multiple selections streamline the data entry process, especially in scenarios where students need to select multiple options frequently. Instead of manually entering each option, students can choose multiple items simultaneously. This not only saves time but also reduces effort, making data entry more efficient and allowing students to focus on other important tasks.

WPS Office

WPS Office is a versatile alternative to Microsoft Excel that offers a range of features for creating and managing drop-down menus. With WPS Office, users can easily create drop-down menus in Excel to enhance data entry and ensure consistency.

It is a powerful spreadsheet application that offers a wide range of features that rival those of Microsoft Excel. It is also much more affordable, making it a great option for students and businesses on a budget.

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Price:

One of the standout advantages of WPS Office is its affordability. Unlike Microsoft Excel, which requires a subscription or purchase, WPS Office provides a cost-effective solution. Students can enjoy access to powerful spreadsheet functionality without breaking the bank.

Compatibility:

WPS Office is compatible with Microsoft Excel, ensuring seamless compatibility and file sharing between the two platforms. You can confidently create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets without worrying about compatibility issues with colleagues or classmates using different software.

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User-Friendly Interface:

With its intuitive and user-friendly interface, WPS Office makes spreadsheet tasks accessible to users of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, you'll find it easy to navigate the software and accomplish your tasks efficiently. The familiar ribbon-style toolbar ensures a smooth transition for those accustomed to Microsoft Excel.

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FAQs about how to create a drop down list in excel with multiple selections.

Can I create a drop-down list with multiple selections in older versions of Excel?

Creating a drop-down list with multiple selections in older versions of Excel may not be supported natively. The ability to select multiple options from a drop-down list is a feature introduced in more recent versions of Excel, such as Excel 2013 and onwards.

Can I edit the list of options in a drop-down list after creating it?

Yes, you can edit the list of options in a drop-down list after creating it in Excel. You can do it by selecting the cell or range containing the drop-down list. Go to the "Data" tab in the Excel ribbon. Click on the "Data Validation" button. A dialog box will appear. In the dialog box, go to the "Settings" tab. In the "Allow" dropdown, select "List". In the "Source" field, you will see the current list of options for your drop-down list. Edit the options as desired, either by adding or removing values. Click "OK" to save your changes.

Is it possible to create conditional drop-down lists based on specific criteria?

Yes, it is possible to create conditional drop-down lists based on specific criteria in Excel. This feature, known as dependent or cascading drop-down lists, allows you to dynamically change the options available in one drop-down list based on the selection made in another drop-down list.

WPS Spreadsheet- Strong Microsoft Excel Alternative

Creating drop-down lists in Excel with multiple selections is a valuable technique to ensure data accuracy and streamline data entry processes. This article has provided a comprehensive guide on how to create drop-down lists in Excel with multiple selections, offering four useful methods. By implementing these techniques, users can enhance data accuracy, improve data consistency, and achieve more efficient data entry.

Additionally, considering the benefits of using WPS Office as a reliable alternative to Microsoft Excel, users can enjoy affordability, compatibility, and a wide range of features for effective spreadsheet tasks. Download WPS Office now!

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.