5 Ways To Create Multi-Select Drop Down In Excel
Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet program that offers a wide range of features to help users manage and analyze data. One of the features that can be particularly useful is the ability to create multi-select drop-down lists. A multi-select drop-down list allows users to select multiple options from a list, which can be helpful in a variety of situations.
In this article, we will explore five ways to create a multi-select drop-down list in Excel. We will discuss the benefits of using multi-select drop-down lists, and provide step-by-step instructions for creating them using different methods.
Benefits of Using Multi-Select Drop-Down Lists

Multi-select drop-down lists offer several benefits, including:
- Improved data accuracy: By providing users with a list of options to choose from, you can reduce the risk of errors caused by manual data entry.
- Increased efficiency: Multi-select drop-down lists can save time and effort by allowing users to quickly select multiple options from a list.
- Enhanced user experience: Multi-select drop-down lists can make it easier for users to interact with your spreadsheet, which can improve overall user satisfaction.
Method 1: Using the Data Validation Feature

One way to create a multi-select drop-down list in Excel is by using the data validation feature. Here's how:
- Select the cell where you want to create the drop-down list.
- Go to the "Data" tab in the ribbon.
- Click on the "Data Validation" button in the "Data Tools" group.
- In the "Data Validation" dialog box, select "List" from the "Allow" dropdown menu.
- In the "Source" field, enter the range of cells that contains the list of options.
- Check the "In-cell dropdown" checkbox.
- Click "OK" to create the drop-down list.
To make the drop-down list multi-select, you will need to use a bit of VBA code. Here's an example:
- Open the Visual Basic Editor by pressing "Alt + F11" or by navigating to "Developer" > "Visual Basic" in the ribbon.
- In the Visual Basic Editor, go to "Tools" > "References" and check if "Microsoft Scripting Runtime" is listed. If not, check the box next to it.
- Insert a new module by going to "Insert" > "Module" in the ribbon.
- Paste the following code into the module:
Sub MultiSelectDropDown()
Dim rng As Range
Set rng = Range("A1") ' change to the cell where you created the drop-down list
rng.Validation.Delete
rng.Validation.Add Type:=xlValidateList, AlertStyle:=xlValidAlertStop, _
Operator:=xlBetween, Formula1:="=A2:A10" ' change to the range of cells that contains the list of options
rng.Validation.IgnoreBlank = True
rng.Validation.InCellDropdown = True
rng.Validation.InputTitle = ""
rng.Validation.ErrorTitle = ""
rng.Validation.InputMessage = ""
rng.Validation.ErrorMessage = ""
rng.Validation.ShowInput = True
rng.Validation.ShowError = True
End Sub
- Change the range "A1" to the cell where you created the drop-down list, and change the range "A2:A10" to the range of cells that contains the list of options.
- Save the module by clicking "File" > "Save" in the ribbon.
- Close the Visual Basic Editor.
To use the multi-select drop-down list, simply select the cell where you created the drop-down list and press "Alt + F11" to open the Visual Basic Editor. Then, run the "MultiSelectDropDown" macro by clicking "Developer" > "Macros" in the ribbon and selecting "MultiSelectDropDown".
Method 2: Using a Third-Party Add-In

Another way to create a multi-select drop-down list in Excel is by using a third-party add-in. There are several add-ins available that offer this feature, including:
- Excel-Add-in MultiSelect
- MultiSelect Dropdown
- DropDown Multiple Select
To use a third-party add-in, simply download and install the add-in, and then follow the instructions provided to create a multi-select drop-down list.
Method 3: Using a UserForm

A third way to create a multi-select drop-down list in Excel is by using a UserForm. Here's how:
- Open the Visual Basic Editor by pressing "Alt + F11" or by navigating to "Developer" > "Visual Basic" in the ribbon.
- In the Visual Basic Editor, go to "Insert" > "UserForm" in the ribbon.
- Drag and drop a "ListBox" control onto the UserForm.
- Right-click on the ListBox control and select "Properties".
- In the "Properties" window, set the "MultiSelect" property to "True".
- Set the "ListStyle" property to "fmListStylePlain".
- Set the "BorderStyle" property to "fmBorderStyleNone".
- Add a "CommandButton" control to the UserForm.
- Right-click on the CommandButton control and select "Properties".
- In the "Properties" window, set the "Caption" property to "OK".
- Add the following code to the UserForm:
Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()
Dim rng As Range
Set rng = Range("A1") ' change to the cell where you want to display the selected options
rng.Value = ""
For i = 0 To ListBox1.ListCount - 1
If ListBox1.Selected(i) Then
rng.Value = rng.Value & ListBox1.List(i) & ", "
End If
Next i
rng.Value = Left(rng.Value, Len(rng.Value) - 2)
End Sub
- Change the range "A1" to the cell where you want to display the selected options.
- Save the UserForm by clicking "File" > "Save" in the ribbon.
- Close the Visual Basic Editor.
To use the multi-select drop-down list, simply select the cell where you want to display the selected options and press "Alt + F11" to open the Visual Basic Editor. Then, run the UserForm by clicking "Developer" > "Macros" in the ribbon and selecting the UserForm.
Method 4: Using a Worksheet Function

A fourth way to create a multi-select drop-down list in Excel is by using a worksheet function. Here's how:
- Select the cell where you want to create the drop-down list.
- Go to the "Formulas" tab in the ribbon.
- Click on the "Define Name" button in the "Defined Names" group.
- In the "New Name" dialog box, enter a name for the range of cells that contains the list of options.
- Select the range of cells that contains the list of options.
- Click "OK" to create the named range.
- In the cell where you want to create the drop-down list, enter the following formula:
=INDEX(List,0)
Replace "List" with the name of the named range.
- Press "Enter" to create the drop-down list.
To make the drop-down list multi-select, you will need to use a bit of VBA code. Here's an example:
- Open the Visual Basic Editor by pressing "Alt + F11" or by navigating to "Developer" > "Visual Basic" in the ribbon.
- In the Visual Basic Editor, go to "Tools" > "References" and check if "Microsoft Scripting Runtime" is listed. If not, check the box next to it.
- Insert a new module by going to "Insert" > "Module" in the ribbon.
- Paste the following code into the module:
Sub MultiSelectDropDown()
Dim rng As Range
Set rng = Range("A1") ' change to the cell where you created the drop-down list
rng.Validation.Delete
rng.Validation.Add Type:=xlValidateList, AlertStyle:=xlValidAlertStop, _
Operator:=xlBetween, Formula1:="=List" ' change to the named range
rng.Validation.IgnoreBlank = True
rng.Validation.InCellDropdown = True
rng.Validation.InputTitle = ""
rng.Validation.ErrorTitle = ""
rng.Validation.InputMessage = ""
rng.Validation.ErrorMessage = ""
rng.Validation.ShowInput = True
rng.Validation.ShowError = True
End Sub
- Change the range "A1" to the cell where you created the drop-down list.
- Change the named range "List" to the name of the named range.
- Save the module by clicking "File" > "Save" in the ribbon.
- Close the Visual Basic Editor.
To use the multi-select drop-down list, simply select the cell where you created the drop-down list and press "Alt + F11" to open the Visual Basic Editor. Then, run the "MultiSelectDropDown" macro by clicking "Developer" > "Macros" in the ribbon and selecting "MultiSelectDropDown".
Method 5: Using a Drop-Down List in a Table

A fifth way to create a multi-select drop-down list in Excel is by using a drop-down list in a table. Here's how:
- Select the cell where you want to create the drop-down list.
- Go to the "Insert" tab in the ribbon.
- Click on the "Table" button in the "Tables" group.
- Select the range of cells that you want to include in the table.
- Click "OK" to create the table.
- Select the cell where you want to create the drop-down list.
- Go to the "Data" tab in the ribbon.
- Click on the "Data Validation" button in the "Data Tools" group.
- In the "Data Validation" dialog box, select "List" from the "Allow" dropdown menu.
- In the "Source" field, enter the range of cells that contains the list of options.
- Check the "In-cell dropdown" checkbox.
- Click "OK" to create the drop-down list.
To make the drop-down list multi-select, you will need to use a bit of VBA code. Here's an example:
- Open the Visual Basic Editor by pressing "Alt + F11" or by navigating to "Developer" > "Visual Basic" in the ribbon.
- In the Visual Basic Editor, go to "Tools" > "References" and check if "Microsoft Scripting Runtime" is listed. If not, check the box next to it.
- Insert a new module by going to "Insert" > "Module" in the ribbon.
- Paste the following code into the module:
Sub MultiSelectDropDown()
Dim rng As Range
Set rng = Range("A1") ' change to the cell where you created the drop-down list
rng.Validation.Delete
rng.Validation.Add Type:=xlValidateList, AlertStyle:=xlValidAlertStop, _
Operator:=xlBetween, Formula1:="=Table1[Options]" ' change to the table and column that contains the list of options
rng.Validation.IgnoreBlank = True
rng.Validation.InCellDropdown = True
rng.Validation.InputTitle = ""
rng.Validation.ErrorTitle = ""
rng.Validation.InputMessage = ""
rng.Validation.ErrorMessage = ""
rng.Validation.ShowInput = True
rng.Validation.ShowError = True
End Sub
- Change the range "A1" to the cell where you created the drop-down list.
- Change the table and column "Table1[Options]" to the table and column that contains the list of options.
- Save the module by clicking "File" > "Save" in the ribbon.
- Close the Visual Basic Editor.
To use the multi-select drop-down list, simply select the cell where you created the drop-down list and press "Alt + F11" to open the Visual Basic Editor. Then, run the "MultiSelectDropDown" macro by clicking "Developer" > "Macros" in the ribbon and selecting "MultiSelectDropDown".
Multi-Select Drop-Down List Image Gallery










What is a multi-select drop-down list?
+A multi-select drop-down list is a type of drop-down list that allows users to select multiple options from a list.
How do I create a multi-select drop-down list in Excel?
+There are several ways to create a multi-select drop-down list in Excel, including using the data validation feature, a third-party add-in, a UserForm, a worksheet function, or a drop-down list in a table.
What are the benefits of using a multi-select drop-down list?
+The benefits of using a multi-select drop-down list include improved data accuracy, increased efficiency, and enhanced user experience.