There are instructions here for creating dependent data validation lists:

http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal02.html

mt wrote:
i want to have two drop down lists in my spreadsheet.
When i select an option on the first drop down list i want the second drop
down list options to change accordingly. e.g. if i choose breakfast on the
first drop down i want "cereal", "toast" etc to appear as options on the
second drop down list, but if i select "dinner" on the first i want the
second to offer "steak", "salad" etc. How do i do this?

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Debra Dalgleish
Contextures
http://www.contextures.com/tiptech.html