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How to Create Cascading Drop-Downs in SharePoint Without Power Apps

Natalie Taylor Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to implement dependent or cascading drop-down columns in a SharePoint list without relying on Power Apps or custom development.

How to Create Cascading Drop-Downs in SharePoint Without Power Apps

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing a SharePoint list form to display subcategories dynamically based on the selection made in a parent category column.
Observed behavior: SharePoint does not natively offer an out-of-the-box cascading drop-down column type, forcing users to seek workarounds like Managed Metadata or Content Types.

Before you start

Ensure you have Site Owner or Full Control permissions in your SharePoint environment, as these are required to manage Site Content Types and configure the Term Store.

Solution 1Recommended

Use SharePoint Content Types for One-Level Dependencies

This approach uses native Content Types to simulate dependent fields. It is highly effective when you only need a single level of cascading (e.g., Parent Category to Child Subcategory).

By creating distinct Content Types for each main category, the list form will change its available fields dynamically when a specific category (Content Type) is selected from the top menu.

Create Site Columns

Navigate to Site Settings > Site Columns. Create separate choice columns for each subcategory group you need (e.g., 'Hardware Types', 'Software Types').

Define Content Types

Go to Site Settings > Site Content Types. Create a new Content Type for each of your main parent categories, inheriting from the 'Item' type.

Link Columns to Content Types

Open each newly created Content Type and add the corresponding subcategory Site Column you created in the first step.

Apply Content Types to the List

Go to your target SharePoint List > List Settings > Advanced Settings, and enable 'Allow management of content types'. Return to List Settings and add your new Content Types. Users can now select a category from the 'New' button drop-down, which dictates the subcategory fields shown.

Use SharePoint Content Types for One-Level Dependencies

Limitation: This method only scales well for one-level dependencies. Complex, multi-level cascading drop-downs will require too many Content Types to manage effectively.

Solution 2

Organize Data Hierarchically Using the Term Store

Leverage SharePoint's Managed Metadata service to create hierarchical terms, allowing users to drill down through categories within a single field natively.

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Manage Data and Cascading Drop-Downs Easily with WPS Spreadsheet

If configuring SharePoint Content Types or Term Stores is too complex for your tracking needs, consider managing structured list data in WPS Spreadsheet. It offers a straightforward way to build multi-level dependent drop-downs without coding, serving as a powerful and free alternative for tabular data management.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download and install the free suite on your device.
2. Prepare Your Data: Open WPS Spreadsheet and organize your parent and child categories into named ranges.
3. Apply Data Validation: Navigate to the Data tab, select Data Validation, and use the INDIRECT formula to instantly create dependent drop-down lists.

Easily create cascading drop-downs using Data Validation and the INDIRECT function.Seamlessly open, edit, and save Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) files with perfect compatibility.Lightweight software that runs smoothly on both modern and older desktop devices.Completely free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build multi-level cascading drop-downs in SharePoint without Power Apps?

Natively, it is very difficult. The Content Type method effectively supports only one level of dependency. True multi-level cascades across multiple columns typically require Power Apps, custom SPFx development, or third-party SharePoint add-ins.

What is the Term Store in SharePoint?

The Term Store is a global directory in SharePoint used to manage hierarchical metadata, taxonomies, and tags. It allows administrators to define a central tree of terms that can be used consistently across different site collections via Managed Metadata columns.

Should I use InfoPath to create cascading drop-downs?

No. While InfoPath previously supported cascading drop-downs without code, Microsoft has officially deprecated InfoPath, and its support is ending. It is highly recommended to avoid InfoPath for new forms and migrate to modern alternatives like Power Apps or native SharePoint features.

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