The INDIRECT function in Excel is incredibly versatile, enabling a variety of dynamic applications, including the creation of Conditional Drop Down lists. Let's dive into how we can harness the power of the INDIRECT function to create such lists in Excel.
Key Takeaways
- Dynamic Dependent Dropdown Lists – Utilize the INDIRECT function to connect dropdown lists, allowing the second list to be contingent on the first selection.
- Dynamic Reference to Named Ranges – INDIRECT enables the use of text strings as references to ranges, ideal for setting up cascading dropdowns.
- Eliminates Need for Manual Updates – With INDIRECT, there's no need to manually update dropdown lists when new data is added.
- Integration with Data Validation – INDIRECT can be used within Data Validation settings to create dependent dropdowns that automatically update.
- Enhances Advanced Lookup Scenarios – Beyond dropdowns, INDIRECT is useful for dynamic formula references that adjust based on user input.
Table of Contents
How to Use INDIRECT Function for Dependent Dropdown Lists
Let's explore the detailed steps for setting up a dependent drop down list in Excel.
STEP 1: Our data is organized into the following columns: Category, Meat, Beverage, Breakfast.
Note that the Category column contains the values Meat, Beverage, and Breakfast, which will be crucial in our example.
STEP 2: We will assign Named Ranges to all four columns.
The Name Box is located on the left side of the Formula Bar.
Select the Category values, and enter the name Category in the Name Box.
STEP 3: Repeat the process for the other three columns:
Meat column values – Meat (Named Range)
Beverage column values – Beverage (Named Range)
Breakfast column values – Breakfast (Named Range)
Once all Named Ranges are set, click on the Name Box dropdown to view the newly created Named Ranges:
STEP 4: Begin creating the dropdown lists by selecting the cell where you want to place the first dropdown list.
Navigate to Data > Data Validation
STEP 5: Select List from the Allow dropdown, and in the Source field, enter =Category
This step utilizes the Category Named Range we established in Step 2.
Click OK and test your dropdown list:
STEP 6: Now, it's time to implement our INDIRECT function!
Choose the cell where you want to set up the indirect data validation list.
Go to Data > Data Validation
STEP 7: Select List from the Allow dropdown, and in the Source field, enter =INDIRECT($H$10)
This formula will retrieve the Named Range values based on the selection in cell H10.
Click OK. You may encounter an initial error; simply click Yes to proceed:
For instance, selecting Meat from the Category List dropdown will prompt INDIRECT to reference the “Meat” Named Range we defined earlier, displaying its values in the Content List dropdown.
The Meat Named Range includes the values: Beef, Chicken, Pork:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the INDIRECT function in Excel?
The INDIRECT function transforms a text string into a cell reference, enabling formulas to dynamically adjust based on input values.
How does INDIRECT facilitate the creation of dependent dropdown lists?
INDIRECT enables a secondary dropdown to reference a named range based on the selection in the first dropdown, thus creating dependent lists.
Is it necessary to create named ranges for INDIRECT to function?
Yes! Named ranges are essential for each category so that INDIRECT can reference them when setting up dependent dropdown lists.
Can INDIRECT be used with Excel tables instead of named ranges?
INDIRECT does not directly support structured table references, but you can convert table columns into named ranges to make them compatible.
What occurs if INDIRECT references a non-existent named range?
If INDIRECT points to a named range that does not exist, Excel will display a #REF! error, indicating an invalid reference.
The above is the detailed content of INDIRECT Function for Dependent Dropdown Lists in Excel. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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