Extract UNIQUE Items for Dynamic Data Validation Drop Down List

This tutorial guides you through extracting unique values from a list of data using Excel formulas, without the need for complex Control + Shift + Enter (CSE) commands. Split into two parts, the video first demonstrates creating a list of unique items, followed by creating a dynamic drop-down list that includes only these unique items.

🔍 Key Highlights:
▪️ Creating a List of Unique Items: Discover how to generate a unique list of divisions from a table, ensuring the list updates dynamically with any new additions.
▪️ Dynamic Drop-Down List Creation: Learn how to create a dynamic drop-down list that references your unique list, without including empty fields.
▪️ Utilizing INDEX and MATCH Formulas: Understand the efficient use of INDEX and MATCH formulas combined with COUNTIF to dynamically generate unique lists and drop-down menus.
▪️ Advanced Excel Techniques: Explore the practical application of advanced Excel techniques for dynamic data management.

As a first step I use formulas to extract the list of unique items to separate cells. My method includes a combination of the Index function together with Match and the Countif function. I'll show you a way to also avoid CSE (control shift enter) as well.

In the second part of the video, I use the Offset formula to create a dynamic list that expands depending on the number of items that should be included in the list.

The solution provided is dynamic so if you add new data or change data, everything updates automatically (we use Excel's Table feature here)

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#excel

[excelisfun]

Unique List & Sort Formulas - hardest ones around!!! Great work on the video !!!

[jimcrain]

Mind Blown! You are brilliant!! Thanks for this. I have looked for more than a decade for a way to do this. This is so elegant & much less klug-y than other solutions I have found. i have gotten partway there, before. but I rarely need to work with arrays. It gets fuzzy to try to recall this stuff. Thanks, again!!

[kbjagadeesh]

OMG! how did I miss this channel, one of the best excel tutor....subscribed!

[meghasyam]

This is the most confusing topic so far and still you made it as simple as possible...Thank you so much Leila

[sideshowbobby]

I love how you went through your logic and thought process.

[TravisLP]

Best explanation of how to use OFFSET for data validation I've seen yet, well done. I've combined this with UNIQUE and FILTER for a cascading drop down based on powerquery tables. I always forget exactly how to do it and have to look it up and this is the best one I've found so far. Named Ranges help alot too. Good stuff.

[peterzika]

You do far the best thorough videos. Great presentation, explanation and really structural. I am amazed and grateful. Thanks

[almeidr]

Hello Leila, I'm impressed with your knowledge of Excel and explanation of things in a calm, soothing tone. I wish growing up, I had teachers that taught in this style!

[praveenk]

Easily the best tutorial. Though I couldn’t understand on the first instance, I just simply followed your steps and achieved the result

[blackknight]

everything is great even your way of speaking is so sweet. writing "thank you" is less than what you deserve

[iziaurrahman]

I like your channel Leila. It is very easy to follow at the same time contents are very rich. Also you explain couple of different options to come to same answer. I really like it. Please keep posting new videos.

[RonBarrett]

OMG. Nothing else just simply OMG! You have earned a new level of respect. Well done!

[ismailismaili]

It's OMG you really blow my mind the count if formula when you switch the rule of criteria as range wow i never thought of that thank you Ms. Leila

[mariostudio]

This is the second time this video helps me out to solve a problem! I can't thank you enough!

[DrSougataBanerjee]

Every time I watch your lessons, I end up being in awe with the level of your Excel mastery and the innovative solutions you bring on the table!! Kudos to your wisdom!

[wampage]

This is Excel brilliance.  When you see the complexity of what you think is simple, you will see the simplicity of what you think is complex.  Incredibly useful and flexible insight for exploiting a flatfile.  Thank you!

[kigoindonesia]

Thanks laila, this is good solution for everyone still using the old version of excel.

[dadgau]

I looked for a tutorial like this for years. Thank you so much.

[philipmcdonnell]

Another great tutorial with explanations I’ve never seen anywhere else. I have data validations with excess blanks everywhere. Those are going to be so much neater now. 👍🏻🤓

[johnshaffell]

Awesome lesson. Had been trying to figure out how to do this. Thank you.