How to Easily Create Multiple Dependent Drop-Down Lists in Excel

In this step-by-step tutorial, first we learn how to create a basic dropdown list in Microsoft Excel. Next, we look at how to create multiple dependent drop-down lists. With multiple dependent drop-down lists, the second or the subsequent drop-down list adjusts based on the selection in the first drop down list. This is helpful to validate data entry.

• Few quick notes:
  • ✅ This requires the =xlookup function, which is available as part of Microsoft 365. Unfortunately, older versions of Excel don’t currently support this.
  • ✅ To use this on multiple rows, use =transpose as part of the formula: =TRANSPOSE(SORT(UNIQUE(XLOOKUP(A8,Table1[#Headers],Table1),,TRUE))) Then you’ll just need to copy the formula down for however many rows you have. You can even place the filtered list on a separate sheet or just hide those columns.
  • ✅ You can access the sample sheet here: https://1drv.ms/x/s!AmxrofZZlZ-whMc5Q…
• Additional resources
  • Sample file to follow along: https://1drv.ms/x/s!AmxrofZZlZ-whMc5Q…
  • How to Create a simple Excel Drop Down list: https://youtu.be/QR04owFaJy4
  • In-depth tutorial on Excel look up functions: https://youtu.be/DZEPA9UhLBw
• Timestamps
  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 0:42 Create simple drop-down list
  • 2:50 Create dependent drop-down list
  • 3:43 Use XLOOKUP function
  • 6:17 Create drop-down list with XLOOKUP output
  • 7:07 Use UNIQUE function
  • 9:20 Use SORT function
  • 10:44 Wrap up