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How to create drop down list with symbol in Excel?

Author: Sun Last Modified: 2020-07-10

Generally, when you create a Data Validation list with symbol, the symbol will be shown incorrectly as below screenshot shown. But if you insist to creating a drop down list with symbol, here I can introduce a trick for you.


arrow blue right bubble Create drop down list with symbol in Excel

To insert symbol in Data Validation list, you can use numbers + Alt to do a favor. Here is some common-used symbols you may use in drop down list:
doc drop down list with symbol 7

Take an example:

1. Select a cell and then hold Alt key, and type 30 in the Number keyboard to insert symbol ▲. See screenshot:
doc drop down list with symbol 2

2. Then type the symbol you need with above step one by one to the cells. See screenshot:
doc drop down list with symbol 3

3. Now you can create a drop down list with these symbols. Select a cell or a range you want to place the drop down list, and click Data > Data Validation. See screenshot:
doc drop down list with symbol 4

4. In the Data Validation dialog, under Settings tab, select List from Allow section, and the select the symbol cells into Source textbox. See screenshot:
doc drop down list with symbol 5

5. Click OK. Now a drop down list with symbol you want has been created.
doc drop down list with symbol 6


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