How to Add Data Types to the Excel Ribbon (Quick Steps)

What Are Data Types in Excel?

Data Types in Excel refer to various categories of information, each with specific details. By utilizing the Data Types tool, you can enrich your Excel sheets without needing to open a web browser. For instance, you can convert a word or phrase into a data type (e.g., a state as a geography data type) and instantly extract relevant information such as population, households, and area.

The image below shows the available data types in Excel 365.


Dataset Overview

We’ll use a dataset containing information about some states’ populations and households to demonstrate the steps to add data types to the Excel Ribbon.


Step 1 – Open the Excel Options Window

  • Click the File tab in the ribbon.

Open Excel Options Window Add Data Types to Ribbon

  • Select Options.

Open Excel Options Window Add Data Types to Ribbon

  • This opens the Excel Options window.

Open Excel Options Window Add Data Types to Ribbon


Step 2 – Customize the Ribbon

  • In the Excel Options window, choose Customize Ribbon.

Go to Customize Ribbon Section

  • Alternatively, right-click on a blank space in the ribbon and select Customize the Ribbon from the Context Menu.

Go to Customize Ribbon Section


Step 3 – Add Data Types to the Selected Tab

  • Under Choose commands from, select Main Tabs.
  • Click the plus (+) icon next to the Data tab.

Add Data Types to the Selected Tab

  • Add Data Types to the ribbon.

Add Data Types to the Selected Tab


Step 4 – Close the Excel Options Window

  • Click OK to close the Excel Options window.

Close the Excel Options Window

  • Navigate to the Data tab and verify the presence of Data Types.

Close the Excel Options Window


Using Data Types in Excel

We will add details about the population and households of some states. You can see the dataset below.

How to Use Data Types in Excel

  • Select Words for Data Types
    • Choose the words or phrases where you want to apply data types (e.g., select the range B5:B10).

How to Use Data Types in Excel

  • Select Geography Data Type
    • Go to the Data tab.
    • Choose Geography as the data type.

How to Use Data Types in Excel

    • An Insert Data icon will appear.

How to Use Data Types in Excel

  • Add Specific Fields
    • Click the Insert Data icon.
    • Select the field you want to add to your dataset (e.g., Population).

How to Use Data Types in Excel

    • The results will populate accordingly.

How to Use Data Types in Excel

  • Repeat for Other Fields
    • Use the Insert Data icon again to add details about other fields (e.g., Households).

How to Use Data Types in Excel

  • In the end, you will see results:

Read More: How to Show the Developer Tab on the Ribbon


Additional Information about Data Types

  • Each state has a Show Card icon at the start.

  • Clicking the Show Card icon reveals additional state-specific information.

  • To update details, go to the Data tab and select Refresh All.

  • If you select a cell, you will see the formula related to the cell in the formula bar.


Things to Remember

  • Ensure you have an internet connection, as the data type tool collects information from the web.
  • If you can’t find the Data Types option, consider repairing your Microsoft Excel application.

Download Practice Book

You can download the practice workbook from here:


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Mursalin Ibne Salehin
Mursalin Ibne Salehin

Mursalin Ibne Salehin holds a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Over the past 2 years, he has actively contributed to the ExcelDemy project, where he authored over 150 articles. He has also led a team with content development works. Currently, he is working as a Reviewer in the ExcelDemy Project. He likes using and learning about Microsoft Office, especially Excel. He is interested in data analysis with Excel, machine learning,... Read Full Bio

4 Comments
  1. Thank you for sharing this information.
    My query is whether datatype option under Data Tab in Excel is available on offline version of Excel or only on online version.

  2. Hello ASRA,

    The Data Type option in the Data tab in Microsoft Excel is available in both the online and offline versions of Excel.

    The offline version of Microsoft Excel is part of the Microsoft Office suite, which can be purchased and installed on your computer. Once you have installed Microsoft Office, you can access Microsoft Excel from the start menu or by double-clicking on an existing Excel file on your computer. The Data Type option in the Data tab will be available in the Excel application after installation. I hope this helps.

    Regards,
    Yousuf Khan (ExcelDemy Team)

  3. Hi Yusuf,
    Unfortunately, this is not working.
    I have ms office Home and student 2019 but when I added the data types option from the ribbon it’s not showing the stock/ geography option, rather nothing is coming.
    Do I need to purchase anything separately for this?

    • Reply Avatar photo
      Osman Goni Ridwan Apr 30, 2023 at 3:16 PM

      Hello BUAN,

      The Data Types option is not available for Excel 2019 version.
      It is only available for Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac, and Excel for the web.
      You need to buy a subscription to Microsoft 365 to use these options.
      If you have any further queries, kindly post them on our Exceldemy Forum.

      Regards
      Exceldemy Team

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