Create Dependent Drop-down Lists
The dependent drop-down lists in Excel is designed to create conditional drop-down lists. Specifically, selecting an item from a drop-down list will change the available items in another drop-down list. Let’s create one by following the steps below.
1. In Sheet1 create four named ranges. (a) state [B4:B6], (b) texas [C4:C7], (c) nevada [D4:D6], and (d) florida [E4:E7].
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2. In Sheet2, select cell C2.
3. From the Data tab, click “Data Validation”.
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4. From the Settings tab of the Data Validation dialog box, select “List” in Allow box. In the source box, type =state.
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5. Click OK and you get the drop-down list shown below.
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6. Now, select cell F2.
7. From the Settings tab of the Data Validation dialog box, select “List” in Allow box. In the source box, type =INDIRECT($C$2).
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8. Click OK. You find the result below.
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Note: The INDIRECT function shows the list in the second drop-down list based on the item selected in the first drop-down list.
If you like to download the Excel file containing the example above, click HERE.
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