Max number of drop-down list elements in excel

[Jin]

Is there a max number of elements allowed in drop-down list in Excel? I was
using the data validation and entering the list in the "source" box (using ,
as delimiter), after I entered 34 elements, excel does not allow me to enter
more element to the drop down list.

 

[Jin]

Or I should ask "Is there a max number of chars in the source box?" Seems it
only allows ~250 charactors.

 

[Dave Peterson]

I think it's about 256 characters if you type them in the dialog box.

But if you just point to a range, you can have lots more. So can you add your
entries to a different worksheet (A1:Axxx), name that range, and even hide the
worksheet so that it's out of the way.

 

[Shane Devenshire]

Hi,

The answer is 32,767 items are the max. Use a range as suggested by Dave,
don't type the names into the Source box manually. It not only allows more
items, it also is more flexible to use a range.

If this helps, please click the Yes button.

Cheers,
Shane Devenshire