Excel 2019 Bible

Chapter 26: Using Data Validation

26

FIGURE 26.3

Excel can draw circles around invalid entries (in this case, cells that contain values greater

than 105).

Creating a Drop-Down List

One of the most common uses of data validation is to create a drop-down list in a cell.

Figure 26.4 shows an example that uses the month names in cells A1:A12 as the list source.

To create a drop-down list in a cell, follow these steps:

1. Enter the list items into a single-row or single-column range. These items will
   appear in the drop-down list.


2. Select the cell that will contain the drop-down list and then choose Data ➪
   Data Tools ➪ Data Validation. The Data Validation dialog box appears.


3. From the Settings tab, select the List option (from the Allow drop-down list)
   and specify the range that contains the list, using the Source control. The
   range can be in a different worksheet, but it must be in the same workbook.