How to quickly create dynamic dependent drop down list in Excel?

Supposing I have a table of four columns that indicate four types of foodstuff: fruit, food, meat and drink and below them are the specific food name. See the following screenshot:

Now I need to create one drop down list that contains the foodstuff, such as fruit, food, meat and drink and the second drop-down would have the specific food name. If I select food, the second drop down will show rice, noodle, bread and cake. To do this, please apply the following steps:

1. First, I need to create some range names for these columns and the first categories row.

(1.) Create a range name for the categories, the first row, select the A1:D1, and type the range name "Foodstuff" into the "Name" Box, then press "Enter" key.

(2.) Then you need to name each of the columns as above step as shown below:

2. Now I can create the first drop down list, please select a blank cell or a column that you want to apply this drop down list, and then click "Data" > "Data Validation" > "Data Validation", see screenshot:

3. In the "Data Validation" dialog box, click "Settings" tab, choose "List" from the "Allow" drop down list, and input the following formula into the "Source" box.

=Foodstuff

4. Click "OK" and my first drop down list have been created, then select the cell and drag the fill handle to the cell that you want to apply this option.

5. Then I can create the second drop down list, select one blank cell, and click "Data" > "Data Validation" > "Data Validation" again, in the "Data Validation" dialog box, click "Settings" tab, choose "List" from the "Allow" drop down list, and input the following formula into the "Sourc"e box.

=indirect(F1)

6. Then click "OK", and drag the cell content downwards, and the dependent drop down list have been created successfully. See screenshot:

And then if I choose one type of the foodstuff, the corresponding cell will only display its specific food name.

Notes:
1. The drop-down arrow is visible only when the cell is active.
2. You can continue going deeper as you like, if you want to create the third drop down list, just use the second drop-down as the "Source" of the third drop-down.

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By following this guide, you’ll be able to create dynamic dependent drop-down lists quickly and efficiently, saving time and reducing errors in your Excel projects. If you're interested in exploring more Excel tips and tricks, our website offers thousands of tutorials.

Demo: Create dynamic drop down list in Excel