How to Create “DROP-DOWN LIST” in Google Sheets [In 1 Minute]

Data entry is one of the most tedious tasks in business. When that sheet becomes messy and your frustration level reaches its peak. And everything seems out of control.

You really should consider using the features of Google Sheets.

This One thing “How to Create Drop-Down List in Google Sheets” can organize and make tidy sheets plus helps you to look professional.

Most people find using this type of menu to be the most convenient way to navigate through several items because it’s quick and easy. Plus, An efficient way to make it easier for the person to enter data into a Google Sheets.

What is Drop-Down List in Google Sheets?

A drop-down list is a feature in Google Sheets that allows you to create a list of items that you can select from. This can be useful if you want to create a list of options that you can choose from, or if you want to limit the choices that someone can make in a cell.

You can create custom charts, dashboards, and much more with the Drop-Down List.

There are a few different ways that you can create a drop-down list in Google Sheets. One way is to use a data validation list. Another way is to use a Google Apps Script(By using Apps Script you can create Dependent Drop Down Lists).

You can create a simple Drop Down List using Data Validation Feature from Computer and Android.

Let’s dive into details how to create a Drop-Down Menu in Google Sheets. Creating a drop-down in google sheets is a piece of cake.

How to create Drop-Down List in Google Sheets on Computer?

Create Drop-Down List

Step 1: Open Google Sheets OR Copy the “Create Drop-Down List” template to learn it.

Step 2: Select Any Cell

Step 3: Click on Data and then Data Validation. (Now a Data Validation Dialog Box will Open)

In the Data Validation Dialog Box you can see options like these: Cell rang, Criteria, On invalid data, and Appearance.

Step 4: Choose Cell Range that you want in the Drop-Down List.

Cell Range can be Single Cell, Column, Raw or Multiple Cells.

How to select Cell Range?

*Cell Selection is considered as done in SheetTips Sheet.

SheetTips: To lock Raws and Columns use absolute reference in your range. e.g.  SheetTips!$B$2:$B$17 (By putting $ sign between cell addresses)

Step 5: Choose Criteria by selecting  “List from a range” OR “List of items” to create dropdown list in cell.

How to select Criteria? 

List from a range: If you select this create a list somewhere else then enter range or formula of your list.

List of items: If you select this enter item names in box separated by commas and without putting space between items. E.g. Alaska,California,Hawaii,New York,Virginia

SheetTips: After you create a drop-down list a little down arrow will appear on the range of cells. If you want not to see that little down arrow Uncheck Show dropdown list in cell option in Data Validation Dialog Box.

Step 6: Now select options from Show warning or Reject Input while invalid data is entered.

Show warning: This means it will show a warning while the input is invalid.

Reject Input: This means it will reject any input that does not match the criteria.

Step 7: If you want to guide user what type of data to enter use Appearance function. Check Show validation help text. And enter you instructions.

Step 8: Click Save to create google sheets drop down list.

SheetTips: Do some finishing touches by using conditional formatting to color cells according to selected options.

Edit, Change or Delete Drop-Down List

To Edit or change Drop Down List

Step 1: Follow the previous method and edit according to your needs.

To Delete Drop Down List

Step 1: Select Any Cell

Step 2: Click on Data and then Data Validation. (Now a Data Validation Dialog Box will Open)

Step 3: Click on Remove validation.

SheetTips: Just Copy Empty Cell and Paste where you Drop Down List is created.

Copy Drop-Down List

Step 1: Select Cell where Drop Down List is Available.

Step 2: Click [ Ctrl + C ]

Step 3: Select Cell were you want Drop Down List to be copied.

Step 4: Click [ Ctrl + V ]

How to create Drop-Down List in Google Sheets on Android?

Create Drop-Down List

Step 1: Open Sheets App. Find and Open your Sheet.

Step 2: Tap on any Cell from your android screen.

Step 3: Tap on 3 Dots located in the top right corner.

Step 4: Tap on Data validation.

Step 5: Select Cell range.

Step 6: Choose and option In Criteria from “List of items” OR “List from a range”

If you choose List of items then Tap on +Add Button to add list of items.

Step 7: Check other options as per your need and read previous section for in-depth detail.

Step 8: Tap on Save to add a drop down list.

Edit, Change or Delete Drop-Down List

To Edit or change Drop Down List

Step 1: Follow the previous method and edit according to your needs.

To Delete Drop Down List

Step 1: Select the Cell in which you want to remove Drop Down List.

Step 2: Tap on 3 Dots and then Data Validation. (Now a Data Validation Dialog Box will Open)

Step 3: Tap on Remove rule.

Copy Drop-Down List

Step 1: Select Cell where Drop Down List is Available.

Step 2: Tap & Hold on that Cell for 1 sec. (Few options will appear)

Step 3: Tap on Copy to copy Drop Down List.

Step 4: Select the cell where you need drop down list.

Step 5: Tap & Hold on that Cell for 1 sec.

Step 6: Tap on Paste and Your Drop Down Menu will be there.

SheeTips Conclusion

It’s amazing how many things you can do in Google Sheets with just a little bit of know-how. By adding a drop-down list to sheets is a quick and easy way to ensure that your data is accurate and consistent.

Creating Drop Down List is one step closer to creating tidy sheets and becoming organized plus productive.

Download the template and practice what we learned today.

These little SheetTips will streamline your workflows in Google Sheets.