This article explains how to create drop-down lists or menus in Excel to limit the data that can be entered into a specific cell to a preset list of items. Using a drop-down list for data validation simplifies data entry, prevents errors, and limits the number of places to enter data. Instructions apply to Excel 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010; and Excel for Mac.

The data added to a drop-down list can be on the same worksheet as the list, on a different worksheet in the same workbook, or in a completely different Excel workbook. In this tutorial, we'll use a list of cookie types. To follow along, enter the data in columns D and E in the image below.

To create a drop-down list:

Select cell B3 to make it the active cell.