A dropdown list allows users to select an option from a list – this saves space and makes it simpler to gather responses. Google Sheets conveniently allows you to convert a range of cells into a dropdown and create a dropdown menu from scratch. Follow this guide to learn how.
Method #1: Create a dropdown list from a range of values
- Select the cell where you want the dropdown list to appear.
Select the cell where you want the dropdown list. - From the “Data” menu, select Data validation.
Go to Data > Data validation. - In the Data validation dialogue box, select List from a range option from the “Criteria” dropdown.
In the Criteria dropdown, select List from a range. - In the source field, select the cells containing the values you want inside your dropdown.
Select the data you want inside the dropdown. - Mark the checkbox next to Show dropdown list in cell. Finally, click Save.
Check the Show dropdown list option. Your dropdown list is now ready to use on the cell you selected.
Selected range inside the dropdown list.
Method #2: Create a dropdown list by inserting the data
- Select the cell you want the dropdown list to appear in.
Select the cell for your dropdown list. - From the “Data” menu, click Data validation.
Click Data validation from the top-level Data menu. - In the “Criteria” dropdown, select List of items.
In the Criteria dropdown, select List of items. - Manually enter the data (separated by commas) you want to be inserted in the dropdown.
Type the data you want included in the dropdown, separated by commas. - Check the Show dropdown list in cell option. Finally, click the Save button.
Check the Show dropdown list option. Your dropdown list is now ready to use!
Manually entered data inside the dropdown list.