This was covered in a video tutorial just last week: select multiple items from a drop down list.

Thank you so very much.  This is exactly what I needed! The second question, is there a way to tally the responses.  I plan to create a separate spreadsheet, and tried the "countif" formula but it doesn't work.  Is there a simple formula to count the number of responses? For example, how many "1" are there  

Mynda

Regarding the select multiple items from a drop down list, is there a way to tally (count the number of times Alpha was chosen, and number of times Charlie was chosen and etc.)? To have the ability to select multiple items from a drop down list is really awesome!

Thanks

There's no easy formula for this and that's because Excel wasn't designed to stuff multiple items from a data validation list into one cell 🙂

You can use this array formula: =SUM(--ISNUMBER(SEARCH("Charlie",C4:C8)))

Where your data is in cells C4:C8 and you want to find how many times 'Charlie' is listed.

Note: If you're using Excel 2019 or earlier you need to enter the formula with CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER 

Myna

Mynda,

I will give it a try.   Thank you so very much.

Mynda,

It worked perfect.  I have two questions.

(1) how do I limit certain columns within the spread sheet to only one choice?

(2) Are you familiar with Microsoft forms, is there a way to link the form to the spreadsheet or vice versa? 

Thanks

In the cells that you only want them to be able to select one item, simply insert a regular data validation list as this is their default behaviour.

Yes, I'm familiar with Microsoft Forms. I've got a tutorial on Microsoft Forms here. You can't retrospectively link a form to an existing spreadsheet. You have to create the form, which creates the spreadsheet and then use that spreadsheet.

Mynda

Ok, I will give it a try.  With the Microsoft Forms, I can have access to the data validation list feature, is that correct?

Thanks