How to Apply CHOOSE Function to Create Drop-Down List in Excel

A drop-down list is a feature in Microsoft Excel that allows one to create a list of items to select from. This can be helpful when we have a list of items that we need to choose from, and we don’t want to have to type them all out. In this article, I will try to explain 3 simple ways to create a drop-down list with the CHOOSE function in Excel. I hope it will be very helpful for you if you are looking for a way to create a drop-down list with the CHOOSE Function in Excel.

Creating Drop-Down List Using CHOOSE Function in Excel: 3 Simple Ways

1. Apply CHOOSE Function to Create a Dependent Drop-Down List

We can create a drop-down list with a specific formula for some specific values. In order to create a dependent drop-down list, we can use the CHOOSE function. The whole procedure is described in the following section.

Steps:

First of all, create an organized dataset. For me, I have created a dataset of weekdays with a specific number in Day Number and Day Name columns.

Now, select a cell (i.e. B14) to create a drop-down list.
Next, go to the Data tab.
From the ribbon, click on Data Tools.
After that, pick the Data Validation option.

Pick List from the Allow section from the Data Validation wizard.

Set range (i.e. $B$5:$B$11) in the Source section.
Then, press OK.

Thus, we can have a drop-down list on the defined cell.

Next, pick a cell and apply the following formula where you want to have the result based on the drop-down selection.

=CHOOSE(B14,C5,C6,C7,C8,C9,C10,C11)

Here, the CHOOSE function returns the output based on the index number that is mentioned by B14.

Finally, press the ENTER button and choose any option from the drop-down list to have the related result.

2. Combine CHOOSE Function with Different Arithmetic Functions to Create a Drop-Down List

We can also assign different arithmetic functions with the CHOOSE function to have results from the drop-down list. It’s not a difficult task to do. You will agree with me after reading the whole procedure listed below.

Steps:

Create an organized dataset as a first step. Here, I have arranged the salary of different footballers in Player Name, Club, and Salary I have also mentioned the particulars that I want to add in the drop-down list in the Matrices column.

Afterward, pick a cell (i.e. B18) to create a drop-down list.
Next, go to the Developer tab.
From the ribbon, click on Insert.
After that, pick the Combo Box (Form Control).

The drop-down box will be in the selected cell.

Now, right-click on the mouse and select the Format Control… option.

Go to Control and assign the Input range (i.e. $C$12:$C$15) and Cell Link (i.e. $B$18).
Then, click on OK.

Followingly, select a cell (i.e. C18) and apply the following formula where you want to have the result based on the drop-down selection.

=CHOOSE(B18,AVERAGE(D5:D9),MEDIAN(D5:D9),MAX(D5:D9),MIN(D5:D9))

Finally, you can have your desired result just by selecting it from the drop-down list.

3. Merge CHOOSE and MATCH Functions to Create a Drop-Down List

The creation of a calculator merging the CHOOSE and MATCH functions is also possible. We can add a drop-down box with different operation names. The procedure is described in the following section.

Steps:

As a first step, organize your data properly. I have set the operations name along with a number in the Operation and Value columns, I have also added two numbers in the dataset with which I will apply the operators.

Now, select a cell (i.e. C14) to create a drop-down list.
Next, go to the Data tab.
From the ribbon, click on Data Tools.
After that, pick the Data Validation option.

After that, pick List from the Allow section and set the range (i.e. $B$5:$B$11) in the Source section.
Press OK to finish the drop-down list creation process.

Thus, we can have operation names in a drop-down list.

Now, input the following formula with the MATCH function in your preferred cell (i.e. B14) to have the match number of the operation.

=MATCH(C14,B5:B8,0)

Press the ENTER button to have the match number.

Along with that, pick a cell (i.e. D14) and apply the following formula where you want to have the result based on the drop-down selection.

=CHOOSE(B14,B11+C11,B11-C11,B11*C11,B11/C11)

Finally, hit ENTER to finish the process.

Thus, we can create a drop-down list with the CHOOSE and MATCH functions.

Download Practice Workbook

Drop-Down List with CHOOSE Function.xlsx

Conclusion

That’s all for this article. In this article, I have tried to explain 3 simple ways to create a drop-down list with the CHOOSE function in Excel. It will be a matter of great pleasure for me if this article could help any Excel user even a little. For any further queries, comment below. You can visit our site for more articles about using Excel.