Adding an Excel Drop-down list is a great way to make data entry faster, more efficient, and also more accurate.  There are a few ways they can be done, and in this article we show how to do them using the Data Validation lists.

To follow along, go to the following link to download the Efficient Analyst Data Validation List Drop-Down Exercise Workbook:
Efficient Analyst Data Validation List Drop-down Exercise Workbook

Procedure steps

To create an Excel drop-down list, select the cell where you would like the drop-down to appear, and open the Data ribbon.

In the Data ribbon, select Data Validation -> Data Validation…

Efficient Analyst Excel Drop-down list Data Validation List Dropbox Data Validation -> Data Validation

In the Data Validation dialog box, select List.

Efficient Analyst Excel Drop-down list Data Validation List Dropbox Data Validation List

Click the Select Source button.

Efficient Analyst Excel Drop-down list Data Validation List Dropbox select source

Type or select the range you would like to include as part of your Excel drop-down list.

Efficient Analyst Excel Drop-down list Data Validation List Dropbox select source range

Congratulations, your Excel drop-down list is now ready to be used!

Efficient Analyst Excel Drop-down list Data Validation List Dropbox