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Dynamic Data Validation List

John Michaloudis
Want to know how to use the Excel List Validation?
*** Watch our video and step by step guide below with free downloadable Excel workbook to practice ***
Dynamic Data Validation List | MyExcelOnline Dynamic Data Validation List | MyExcelOnline

Watch it on YouTube and give it a thumbs-up!

download the youtube excel practice fileListDemo.xlsx

 

What´s a dynamic data validation drop down list in Excel, you say?

Well, as you add new data into your Excel Table, your drop down list automatically gets updated.

That is a cool feature and it means that you do not need to update your data validation source reference each time you update your data with a new entry, saving you heaps of time in the long run.

In a few steps you too can create this:

1. Convert your data to an Excel Table (Ctrl+T)

Dynamic Data Validation List

2. Select your table´s column by hovering over the Excel Table and left clicking when the arrow pointer shows

Dynamic Data Validation List

3. In the ribbon go to Formulas > Define Name > enter a custom name with no spaces (we will put this name in step 5) and press OK

Dynamic Data Validation List

4. Click in a cell and go to the ribbon and choose Data > Data Validation > List

Dynamic Data Validation List

5. In the Source box enter the name you created in Step 3 and press OK

Dynamic Data Validation List

6. If you want to add extra data into your Excel Table, hover with your mouse in the bottom right hand corner and when you see a double arrow, drag down.

Dynamic Data Validation List

7. Enter a new entry and this will automatically be updated in your drop down list.

Dynamic Data Validation List

Dynamic Data Validation List | MyExcelOnline
 Download workbookDynamic-Data-Validation.xlsx

 

 

 

 

 

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Founder & Chief Inspirational Officer at

John Michaloudis is a former accountant and finance analyst at General Electric, a Microsoft MVP since 2020, an Amazon #1 bestselling author of 4 Microsoft Excel books and teacher of Microsoft Excel & Office over at his flagship MyExcelOnline Academy Online Course.

See also  Autofill Formulas in an Excel Table

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