As most of us already use drop down lists through data validation but sometimes it makes much more sense to create a dependent drop down lists e.g. you create a drop down list in cell A1 and as you choose..

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2. How to create a dependent drop down
list.
• As most of us already use drop down lists through data validation but sometimes it
makes much more sense to create a dependent drop down lists e.g. you create a
drop down list in cell A1 and as you choose any item from that list, the items of the
other drop down list in cell B1 will change accordingly. So let’s see guys how we can
create it in Excel:
• Just have a look at the below screenshot, in this example we have a table with 4
columns with 4 States of India in each column and below each column we have
respective Districts. Our motive is to create a drop down list in cell A3, which shows
all the 4 States and then we will create a drop down list in cell B3 which will be
dependent on the States’ drop down list and will show only the respective Districts.
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4. • Now let’s just follow the below steps to create a dependent drop down
list:
• Step 1 First we need to create assign names to the categories row as well
as all the 4 States. To do this, first select the range D1:G1 and then click in
the Name box and write a name as State and then hit enter.
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5. Step 2 Now we need to select all the respective Districts below the State one by one and give it
a respective State name range through the Name box. You can just repeat the same procedure
discussed in the above step to assign a name. E.g. to assign a name to the Districts of Rajasthan
we will select range from D2:D24 and write Rajasthan in Name box.
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9. Step 3 Now we will create the First drop down list for States in cell A3. For this just
activate cell A3 and then go to Data tab  Data Validation
Now in the Data Validation dialog box, click Settings tab, choose List from the Allow drop
down list, and input this formula =State into the Source box and then press ok. Now we have
the drop down list with 4 states in cell A3.
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10. Now to create a dependent drop down list in cell B3, just activate cell B3 and then again go
to Data tab  Data Validation and now in the Data Validation dialog box, click Settings tab,
choose List from the Allow drop down list, and input this formula =Indirect(A3) into the
Source box and then press ok. Here we will get the list of respective Districts, depends on
which State we choose in cell A3.
Note: if you have not choose anything in cell A3 then after hitting OK in the above step you
will get an error like this :
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11. This is just an informative error so just press OK to continue.
Now we are ready to use dependent drop down list 
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