How to add date drop down for cells in a column in Excel

DJ 0 Reputation points
2026-09-19T13:21:41.5433333+00:00

I am needing to find a way to add a drop down (or equivalent option) to a column of cells that will make it quicker to add dates than typing the date every time. I tried Add-Ins through the developer tab, but, after I install and open them, I don't see them anywhere. Maybe I just don't know how to access the Add-Ins. Please help. Thank you.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Windows
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Rukshan edirisinghe 245 Reputation points
2026-09-19T17:01:36.5133333+00:00

Searched the web

Hi DJ,

First, some honesty that will save you time: Excel has no built-in calendar picker for cells. The old ActiveX date picker only works on 32-bit Excel, which is why chasing add-ins gets messy. And on the add-ins you installed, those open as a side panel (Insert > Add-ins > My Add-ins), they don't attach to cells, plus there's currently a known issue where store add-ins fail to load at all. So skip that route entirely.

The clean way to get a date drop-down in every cell of a column, with nothing to install:

  1. On a spare sheet, type your start date in A1 and drag the fill handle down to create a list of dates (or in Microsoft 365 just type =SEQUENCE(365,1,TODAY()) in A1 and format the column as Date, that spills a year of dates automatically).
  2. Go back to your main sheet, select the column where dates go.
  3. Data tab > Data Validation > Allow: List > in Source, select your date list range > OK.

Done. Every cell in that column now shows a drop-down arrow with your dates, and you can hide the helper sheet.

One bonus that's often faster than any drop-down: click a cell and press Ctrl+; and Excel types today's date instantly.

Reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-drop-down-list-7693307a-59ef-400a-b769-c5402dce407b

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  1. Michelle Nguyen 1,510 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-19T14:11:51.5133333+00:00

    Hi @DJ

    Thank you for the detailed information. I tested a supported method that does not require an add-in. You can use Data Validation with a list of sequential dates to create a drop-down in the required cells.

    Step 1: Create the date source list

    1. Create a separate worksheet and name it DateList.
    2. Enter your first date in cell A2.
    3. Select the cell and drag the fill handle down to generate the required sequence of dates.
    4. Include enough dates to cover the period you expect users to select.

    Step 2: Apply the drop-down to the column

    1. Return to the worksheet where dates need to be entered.
    2. Select the required cells, for example B2:B500.
    3. On the Data tab, select Data Validation.
    4. On the Settings tab, set Allow to List.
    5. In the Source box, select the date range created on the helper worksheet.
    6. Ensure that In-cell dropdown is enabled, and then select OK.

    When you select one of the configured cells, a drop-down arrow should appear and allow you to choose a date from the list. Microsoft documents this Data Validation process for Excel on Windows, macOS, and the web.

    Please note that this produces a scrollable list of dates rather than a pop-up monthly calendar. It is nevertheless a supported option that does not depend on an add-in.

    Regarding the add-in you installed, could you provide its exact name, your Excel version? Also, please check whether it appears under Home > Add-ins or Insert > My Add-ins. This information will help determine why the add-in is not currently visible.

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