Office, Karriere und Technik Blog

Office, Karriere und Technik Blog

Anzeige


Transparenz: Um diesen Blog kostenlos anbieten zu können, nutzen wir Affiliate-Links. Klickst du darauf und kaufst etwas, bekommen wir eine kleine Vergütung. Der Preis bleibt für dich gleich. Win-Win!

Create dependent dropdown menus in Excel

In Excel, it may make sense to create a drop-down list that is based on a data source and also adapts dynamically instead of creating a very long list in rows or columns. You may also want to create 2 or more lists, with the list below each dependent on the previous one.

How to create interdependent dropdown with dynamic source customization in Excel – Office 365 can be found in our article.

Create dependent dropdown menus in Microsoft Excel

Topic Overview

Anzeige

Create dependent dropdown menus in Excel

In Excel, it may make sense to create a drop-down list that is based on a data source and also adapts dynamically instead of creating a very long list in rows or columns. You may also want to create 2 or more lists, with the list below each dependent on the previous one.

How to create interdependent dropdown with dynamic source customization in Excel – Office 365 can be found in our article.

Create dependent dropdown menus in Microsoft Excel

Topic Overview

Anzeige

1. Create a dynamic table in Excel

1. Create a dynamic table in Excel

So that our dropdown list adapts dynamically to the data source, we first have to dynamically design the data source (s) ourselves.

In our first example, we compile a list of states and (part of) their respective cities.

  • We mark our respective list.
  • Then click in the tab: “Paste” on “Table”
  • And put there also the hook with “table has headings”.
  • Then we assign a name for each of our tables, which should match the title of each table.

See picture: (click to enlarge)

Dynamische Tabelle in Excel erstellen
Tabellennamen in Excel vergeben
Tabellennamen in Excel anzeigen
Advertisement

So that our dropdown list adapts dynamically to the data source, we first have to dynamically design the data source (s) ourselves.

In our first example, we compile a list of states and (part of) their respective cities.

  • We mark our respective list.
  • Then click in the tab: “Paste” on “Table”
  • And put there also the hook with “table has headings”.
  • Then we assign a name for each of our tables, which should match the title of each table.

See picture:

Dynamische Tabelle in Excel erstellen
Tabellennamen in Excel vergeben
Tabellennamen in Excel anzeigen
Advertisement

2. Create a drop-down list in Excel

2. Create a drop-down list in Excel

In order to create our first drop down list for the selection of the federal states click into the desired cell in which the selection is to be available, and then click in the tab: “Data” on “data check”

There we select first as an option the data check “list”, mark our first list with the federal states as an associated data source, and confirm with “OK”.

See picture: (click to enlarge)

Dropdownliste in Excel einfügen
Datenquelle in Excel festlegen

In the next step, we limit the choices of the dependent drop-down list by referring to our previously set dynamic tables.

For this purpose, we first mark the cell in which our second drop-down list should be.

  • Go over the “Data” tab again in the “Data Review”
  • And there select “list”.

In order to set the data source depending on the selection made earlier, we must use a small function and enter “= INDIRECT (G3)” in the data source field.
(we select the cell in which the upstream dropdown selection takes place)

It is important that we enter the cell as relative and not as absolute reference!

  • Correct: = INDIRECT (G3)
  • Wrong: = INDIRECT ($ G $ 3)
Ads

With this function, the list refers to the previously created tables.

We therefore select a table in the first drop-down list, and the second drop-down list uses the “Indirect” function to see which entries exist in this table (exclusive heading), and only selects these according to the preceding entry.

See picture: (click to enlarge)

Abhängige Dropdownliste in Excel
Abhängige Dropdownliste

In order to create our first drop down list for the selection of the federal states click into the desired cell in which the selection is to be available, and then click in the tab: “Data” on “data check”

There we select first as an option the data check “list”, mark our first list with the federal states as an associated data source, and confirm with “OK”.

See picture: (click to enlarge)

Dropdownliste in Excel einfügen
Datenquelle in Excel festlegen

In the next step, we limit the choices of the dependent drop-down list by referring to our previously set dynamic tables.

For this purpose, we first mark the cell in which our second drop-down list should be.

  • Go over the “Data” tab again in the “Data Review”
  • And there select “list”.

In order to set the data source depending on the selection made earlier, we must use a small function and enter “= INDIRECT (G3)” in the data source field.
(we select the cell in which the upstream dropdown selection takes place)

It is important that we enter the cell as relative and not as absolute reference!

  • Correct: = INDIRECT (G3)
  • Wrong: = INDIRECT ($ G $ 3)
Ads

With this function, the list refers to the previously created tables.

We therefore select a table in the first drop-down list, and the second drop-down list uses the “Indirect” function to see which entries exist in this table (exclusive heading), and only selects these according to the preceding entry.

See picture: (click to enlarge)

Abhängige Dropdownliste in Excel
Abhängige Dropdownliste

3. Extend a dynamic table in Excel

3. Extend a dynamic table in Excel

The big advantage of drop-down menus related to dynamic lists is that they automatically adapt to the length of the list entries.

As soon as we add an entry, it will be available in the selection. And when we remove an entry, it also disappears just as quickly.

To look forward to the o.g. For example, we would need to refer to, for example, Add another state to create a new table (renamed), and easily include it in the drop-down selection.

To add new cities to existing ones, we extend the table either by:

  • Press the TAB key in the last cell of the table.
  • By dragging the list at the bottom right (colored reinforced edge) with pressed left mouse button.

Or by a new entry in an empty cell below the table.
(iD.R., the table is automatically expanded here, and a query appears if so desired.)

Of course, this procedure of the dependent drop-down lists can be continued.

So we could next, for example, depending on the city, still on the municipalities, and then on street directories continue to filter.

Blogverzeichnis Bloggerei.de

The big advantage of drop-down menus related to dynamic lists is that they automatically adapt to the length of the list entries.

As soon as we add an entry, it will be available in the selection. And when we remove an entry, it also disappears just as quickly.

To look forward to the o.g. For example, we would need to refer to, for example, Add another state to create a new table (renamed), and easily include it in the drop-down selection.

To add new cities to existing ones, we extend the table either by:

  • Press the TAB key in the last cell of the table.
  • By dragging the list at the bottom right (colored reinforced edge) with pressed left mouse button.

Or by a new entry in an empty cell below the table.
(iD.R., the table is automatically expanded here, and a query appears if so desired.)

Of course, this procedure of the dependent drop-down lists can be continued.

So we could next, for example, depending on the city, still on the municipalities, and then on street directories continue to filter.

Blogverzeichnis Bloggerei.de

Search for:

About the Author:

Michael W. SuhrDipl. Betriebswirt | Webdesign- und Beratung | Office Training
After 20 years in logistics, I turned my hobby, which has accompanied me since the mid-1980s, into a profession, and have been working as a freelancer in web design, web consulting and Microsoft Office since the beginning of 2015. On the side, I write articles for more digital competence in my blog as far as time allows.
Transparenz: Um diesen Blog kostenlos anbieten zu können, nutzen wir Affiliate-Links. Klickst du darauf und kaufst etwas, bekommen wir eine kleine Vergütung. Der Preis bleibt für dich gleich. Win-Win!

Search by category:

Search for:

About the Author:

Michael W. SuhrDipl. Betriebswirt | Webdesign- und Beratung | Office Training
After 20 years in logistics, I turned my hobby, which has accompanied me since the mid-1980s, into a profession, and have been working as a freelancer in web design, web consulting and Microsoft Office since the beginning of 2015. On the side, I write articles for more digital competence in my blog as far as time allows.
Transparenz: Um diesen Blog kostenlos anbieten zu können, nutzen wir Affiliate-Links. Klickst du darauf und kaufst etwas, bekommen wir eine kleine Vergütung. Der Preis bleibt für dich gleich. Win-Win!

Search by category:

Popular Posts:

2411, 2025

Warum dein Excel-Kurs Zeitverschwendung ist – was du wirklich lernen solltest!

November 24th, 2025|Categories: Shorts & Tutorials, Artificial intelligence, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Software|Tags: , |

Hand aufs Herz: Wann hast du zuletzt eine komplexe Excel-Formel ohne Googeln getippt? Eben. KI schreibt heute den Code für dich. Erfahre, warum klassische Excel-Trainings veraltet sind und welche 3 modernen Skills deinen Marktwert im Büro jetzt massiv steigern.

1611, 2025

Cybersicherheit: Die 3 größten Fehler, die 90% aller Mitarbeiter machen

November 16th, 2025|Categories: Shorts & Tutorials, Data Protection, Homeoffice|Tags: , |

Hacker brauchen keine Codes, sie brauchen nur einen unaufmerksamen Mitarbeiter. Von Passwort-Recycling bis zum gefährlichen Klick: Wir zeigen die drei häufigsten Fehler im Büroalltag und geben praktische Tipps, wie Sie zur menschlichen Firewall werden.

1411, 2025

So sieht das wirklich perfekte Homeoffice-Setup für 2026 aus

November 14th, 2025|Categories: Internet, Finance & Shopping, Career, Hardware, Homeoffice|Tags: , , |

Ihr Homeoffice ist veraltet? Steigern Sie 2026 Produktivität & Gesundheit. Unser Guide zeigt das perfekte Setup: von ergonomischen Stühlen und 4K-Webcams bis zu Mesh-WLAN und Kabelmanagement. So investieren Sie in Ihre Karriere.

1411, 2025

Internet, Telefon & TV: Die besten Komplettpakete

November 14th, 2025|Categories: Internet, Finance & Shopping, Homeoffice, Product Tests|Tags: |

Internet, TV & Telefon aus einer Hand? Wir vergleichen die Komplettpakete von Telekom, Vodafone, O2 & 1&1. Wer punktet bei Speed, TV-Komfort (MagentaTV vs. GigaTV) und Preis? So finden Sie das beste Triple-Play-Angebot für Ihre Adresse.

1211, 2025

5 Anzeichen, dass dein Chef dich im Homeoffice digital überwacht

November 12th, 2025|Categories: Data Protection, Career, Homeoffice|Tags: , , |

Nur weil du im Homeoffice bist, heißt das nicht, dass dir niemand zusieht. "Bossware" ist auf dem Vormarsch. Wir zeigen 5 subtile Anzeichen für digitale Überwachung – von "Teams-Status"-Kult bis zu verdächtigen IT-Tools. So erkennst du die Warnsignale und schützt deine Karriere.

1111, 2025

Schluss mit dem Tool-Chaos: 5 Apps, die Euer Office wirklich produktiver machen

November 11th, 2025|Categories: Career, Homeoffice, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams|Tags: , , |

Schluss mit digitaler Reibung: Diese 5 Apps machen Ihr Büro wirklich produktiver. Entdecken Sie, wie Asana, Loom, Notion, Zapier und Slack die Effizienz steigern, Meetings reduzieren und Ihr Team smarter vernetzen – wenn man sie richtig einsetzt.

Offers 2024: Word & Excel Templates

Anzeige

Popular Posts:

2411, 2025

Warum dein Excel-Kurs Zeitverschwendung ist – was du wirklich lernen solltest!

November 24th, 2025|Categories: Shorts & Tutorials, Artificial intelligence, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Software|Tags: , |

Hand aufs Herz: Wann hast du zuletzt eine komplexe Excel-Formel ohne Googeln getippt? Eben. KI schreibt heute den Code für dich. Erfahre, warum klassische Excel-Trainings veraltet sind und welche 3 modernen Skills deinen Marktwert im Büro jetzt massiv steigern.

1611, 2025

Cybersicherheit: Die 3 größten Fehler, die 90% aller Mitarbeiter machen

November 16th, 2025|Categories: Shorts & Tutorials, Data Protection, Homeoffice|Tags: , |

Hacker brauchen keine Codes, sie brauchen nur einen unaufmerksamen Mitarbeiter. Von Passwort-Recycling bis zum gefährlichen Klick: Wir zeigen die drei häufigsten Fehler im Büroalltag und geben praktische Tipps, wie Sie zur menschlichen Firewall werden.

1411, 2025

So sieht das wirklich perfekte Homeoffice-Setup für 2026 aus

November 14th, 2025|Categories: Internet, Finance & Shopping, Career, Hardware, Homeoffice|Tags: , , |

Ihr Homeoffice ist veraltet? Steigern Sie 2026 Produktivität & Gesundheit. Unser Guide zeigt das perfekte Setup: von ergonomischen Stühlen und 4K-Webcams bis zu Mesh-WLAN und Kabelmanagement. So investieren Sie in Ihre Karriere.

1411, 2025

Internet, Telefon & TV: Die besten Komplettpakete

November 14th, 2025|Categories: Internet, Finance & Shopping, Homeoffice, Product Tests|Tags: |

Internet, TV & Telefon aus einer Hand? Wir vergleichen die Komplettpakete von Telekom, Vodafone, O2 & 1&1. Wer punktet bei Speed, TV-Komfort (MagentaTV vs. GigaTV) und Preis? So finden Sie das beste Triple-Play-Angebot für Ihre Adresse.

1211, 2025

5 Anzeichen, dass dein Chef dich im Homeoffice digital überwacht

November 12th, 2025|Categories: Data Protection, Career, Homeoffice|Tags: , , |

Nur weil du im Homeoffice bist, heißt das nicht, dass dir niemand zusieht. "Bossware" ist auf dem Vormarsch. Wir zeigen 5 subtile Anzeichen für digitale Überwachung – von "Teams-Status"-Kult bis zu verdächtigen IT-Tools. So erkennst du die Warnsignale und schützt deine Karriere.

1111, 2025

Schluss mit dem Tool-Chaos: 5 Apps, die Euer Office wirklich produktiver machen

November 11th, 2025|Categories: Career, Homeoffice, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams|Tags: , , |

Schluss mit digitaler Reibung: Diese 5 Apps machen Ihr Büro wirklich produktiver. Entdecken Sie, wie Asana, Loom, Notion, Zapier und Slack die Effizienz steigern, Meetings reduzieren und Ihr Team smarter vernetzen – wenn man sie richtig einsetzt.

Offers 2024: Word & Excel Templates

Anzeige
Ads

Popular Posts:

Search by category:

Autumn Specials:

Anzeige
Go to Top