How to Create a Dropdown List in Google Sheets for Task Status
Use a dropdown to keep task status labels consistent.
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Import at A1. CSV stores labels only. Select B2:B5 → Insert → Dropdown, and add To do, Doing, Done. Under advanced data validation choose Reject input. Try an invalid label, then choose Done from the menu. Extend the rule for new rows.
Detailed steps
- 1. Select the status cells
Our task names are in column A. Select B two through B five for the statuses. Leave the header out, so it stays a normal label.
- 2. Add your dropdown options
Open Insert and choose Dropdown. In the side panel, enter To do, Doing, and Done as the three options. Remove any unused default option and click Done.
- 3. Choose a value from the menu
Click the arrow in a status cell. Choose an option from the menu instead of retyping it. The real demonstration shows all three allowed values.
- 4. Decide how to handle other text
Data validation can reject entries outside the list, or show a warning if you want to allow them. Our rule rejects invalid entries. Check this setting before sharing the sheet.
- Apply it to future rows too
Add the rule to new task rows when extending the list. Use labels that match your actual workflow. Would you build a dropdown for status, priority, or project owner?
Preview the input data
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Write script | To do |
| Record demo | Doing |
| Check audio | Done |
| Upload video | To do |
How to open the CSV
In a blank Google Sheet choose File → Import → Upload and select the downloaded CSV. Use comma as the separator. Start at A1 unless the exercise specifies another location. CSV contains input data; add formulas and controls using the steps above. Files are hosted directly here and require no shared personal Drive document.
Fictional demo data. Formulas use English function names and commas between arguments. Other spreadsheet locales may require semicolons. Check date recognition after importing.