Creating a Drop-Down List Based on a Horizontal Line in Excel

This guide describes how to create a dynamic drop-down list in Excel that utilizes information from a horizontal line based on a selection made from another horizontal line.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Data

Assume you have the following data setup:

• Row 1 contains names: A1: Name1, B1: Name2, C1: Name3
• Row 2 contains corresponding values: A2: Value A1-1, B2: Value A2-1, C2: Value A3-1
• Row 3 will be the drop-down list based on the name selected in a cell (e.g., D1).

2. Create a Named Range

To facilitate referencing the values based on the name selected, create a named range.

1. Select the horizontal values (e.g., A2:C2).
2. Go to the Formulas tab.
3. Click on Define Name and create a name (e.g., Values).

3. Use Data Validation for the Drop-Down List

You will employ the Data Validation feature to create a drop-down list.

1. Select cell D1 (for example).

2. Go to the Data tab.

3. Click on Data Validation.

4. In the dialog box, select List from the Allow dropdown.

5. Enter the formula:

   =OFFSET($A$2,0,MATCH($D$1,$A$1:$C$1,0)-1,1,COUNTIF($A$1:$C$1,$D$1))

Explanation of the Formula

• OFFSET($A$2,0,...): This part of the formula starts at cell A2 (where the values are).
• MATCH($D$1,$A$1:$C$1,0): This part finds the position of the selected name in Row 1.
• -1: Adjusting the position to match the column index in the values row.
• COUNTIF($A$1:$C$1,$D$1): This determines how many values correspond to the selected name for the height of the range.

4. Finalizing the Drop-Down List

Once the above steps are completed, you will have a drop-down list in cell D1 that populates based on the selected name in Row 1.

Practical Example

Data Setup

Usage

1. Select Name1 in cell D1.
2. The drop-down list in cell D1 will now show Val1 corresponding to Name1.

Conclusion

Using the described method, you can effectively create a dynamic drop-down list in Excel that changes based on selections made in another set of data. This process can enhance interactivity in your Excel spreadsheets, allowing data to be more effectively manipulated and analyzed. For further learning on data analysis and Excel techniques, consider exploring the Enterprise DNA Platform.