- Home
- Guides
- Google Workspace
- How to create a drop-down list in Google Sheets
How to create a drop-down list in Google Sheets
Create drop-down lists in Google Sheets with data validation, either from a range of cells or from items you type in, then copy them to other cells.
By Nur Islam- 1:51 video
- 4 steps
- 1.2K views
Jump to a step (4)
When several people type into the same Google Sheet, the same value gets entered in different ways, which breaks filters and totals. A drop-down makes everyone pick from the same list.
Google Sheets builds drop-downs through data validation. You can point it at a range of cells that holds the options, which is easy to update later, or type the options directly as a comma-separated list.
Once a drop-down exists, you can drag it down a column or copy and paste it anywhere.
What you need
- A Google account with Google Sheets
- The list of options, either typed in cells or ready to enter
Step by step
0 of 4 done-
01
Create a drop-down from a range
Select the cell for the drop-down and open Data > Data validation. For the criteria, choose List from a range and select the cells that hold your options. Select OK, then Save.
The drop-down uses the values in that range, so there must be data there first.
-
02
Copy it to other cells
Drag the cell down to fill the drop-down into other rows, or copy and paste it anywhere in the sheet.
-
03
Create a drop-down from a list of items
Select a cell and open Data > Data validation again. This time choose List of items and type the options separated by commas. Select Save. You can now pick any of the items from the list.
-
04
Copy the typed-list drop-down
Drag it down to copy it to more rows, or select all the drop-down cells, copy them and paste them wherever you need them.
Tips and common problems
- Use a range when the options may change. Update the cells and the drop-down follows.
- Separate typed items with commas when using a list of items.
- In the current Google Sheets interface, Data validation opens in a side panel and the two criteria are called Dropdown (from a range) and Dropdown.
Questions
How do I add a drop-down list in Google Sheets?
Select the cell, open Data > Data validation, choose a list from a range or a list of items, enter the options and save.
Can a Google Sheets drop-down pull its options from other cells?
Yes. Choose the range option in Data validation and select the cells that hold the options.
How do I apply the same drop-down to a whole column?
Drag the cell with the drop-down down the column, or copy it and paste it into the other cells.
