How to create a searchable drop-down list using a filtered dynamic list based on a search term

How to create a searchable drop-down list using a filtered dynamic list based on a search term.

Here’s a breakdown of how it works and how you can implement it in Excel:

Steps to Create the Searchable Drop-Down List:

1. Input Your Data:
   • Place your data (e.g., “Product Description”) in a column (e.g., E2:E9 in your example).
2. Set up the Search Cell:
   • Create a cell for the search term (e.g., C2 in the example).
3. Dynamic Filter Formula:
   • Use the FILTER function in a helper column to create a dynamic filtered list.
   • Formula:

=FILTER(E2:E9, ISNUMBER(SEARCH(C2, E2:E9)), “No Results”)

• • E2:E9: The range containing the data to filter.
  • SEARCH(C2, E2:E9): Finds matches based on the search term entered in C2.
  • ISNUMBER: Returns TRUE for matching items, ensuring only valid matches are included.
  • “No Results”: Message shown when no matches are found.

4. Create the Drop-Down List:

• Use Data Validation to link the filtered list to the drop-down:
  • Select the cell where you want the drop-down (e.g., under “Computer”).
  • Go to Data → Data Validation.
  • Set the Allow field to List.
  • In the Source field, enter the dynamic range formula:

=D2:D9

• • • Replace D2:D9 with the range where the FILTER function outputs results.

1. Optional – Handle Spill Ranges:
   • If your filtered list spills over multiple rows, ensure no data is blocking the area below the formula output.
2. Test the Drop-Down:
   • Type in the search box (C2), and see the drop-down list dynamically update with matching items.

This setup combines the power of the FILTER and SEARCH functions to dynamically adjust the list, providing a seamless searchable drop-down experience.

Let me know if you’d like more detailed guidance.

Download the sample file . . .