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How to create a drop-down list in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:Data cleaning & shapingExcel & Google Sheets
=IFERROR(MATCH(A2,{"Yes","No","Maybe"},0),"Invalid")✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Response | Valid? |
| Yes | |
| No | |
| Maybe | |
| Yes | |
| No |
=IFERROR(MATCH(A2,{"Yes","No","Maybe"},0),"Invalid")→1
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Step by step
- 1Select the cell(s) where you want the drop-down.
- 2Excel: Data tab → Data Validation → Allow: List → Source: type Yes,No,Maybe (comma-separated) or select a range of cells. Sheets: Data → Data Validation → Criteria: List of items, type your options.
- 3Click OK. A drop-down arrow appears in the cell. Users can only select from the defined list (optionally you can allow other input with a warning).
Tips
- Store your list options in a dedicated range (e.g., a 'Lists' sheet) and reference that range as the source — when you add or remove options in the list, the drop-down updates automatically.
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Frequently asked
Can I make a drop-down that changes based on another cell's selection (dependent drop-down)?
Yes — use INDIRECT to reference a named range whose name matches the parent selection: Source =INDIRECT(A1) where A1 contains a category that matches a named range.
How do I remove a drop-down list?
Select the cell, go to Data Validation, and click Clear All (Excel) or Remove Validation (Sheets).
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