having a 2nd and 3rd cascading dropdown list off a first dropdown

so, i created a dropdown list, then using the =INDIRECT function and named cells i created a dependent drop down from the first, works great! but now i want a third dropdown list off the first dropdown list. but when i try, excel just asks if i want to change the named cells.

I have created a mock up (attached)

the green list is fine and works as intended

the pale blue list should also work off the first but when i enter =indirect it just automatically uses the green list

You might also find help at https://www.contextures.com/exceldependentdropdown.html

I'm not sure what you mean by level 2. To me, there is just the initial drop down list (dogs, cats, mice) then the two drop down lists (color, and length) based on that initial list. It should work that you pick the type of animal (DD in B2) and you then get a color list (DD in B3) and a length list (DD in B4).

I'm sorry but i don't understand your answer.

I'm sure it is in how i asked the question.

i hope this clarified

I see what you did but I cannot understand how it works, but it defiantly does work.

Full disclosure, the example I gave is not what I am actually doing, i figured it was easier than sending the whole overly complex multi sheet spread sheet.

I copied what you did by naming the columns the same and just adding 'exn' to the end of what would be the third drop down then entered this exact formula. =INDIRECT($H$39&"exn")

but the third dropdown is not working (the carrot is there but nothing happens when i press it).

I'm pulling my hair out because I don't know what I did wrong!!! i still don't know how the spread sheet can find the "&"---"" indirect to begin with.

OK, so i don't know what I'm doing wrong.

so here's the full file. I apologize in advance for all the extra stuff in there but the only cells you need concern yourself with are:

H39 on the 'PrimaryClass' tab. this is the initial dropdown. V : 4 to 8 on the 'guts' tab. this is the source of the initial dropdown
H40 on the 'PrimaryClass' tab. this is the 1st dependent dropdown Z to AD : 4 to 7 on the 'guts' tab. this is the source of the 1st dependent dropdown
H41 on the 'PrimaryClass' tab. this is the 2nd dependent dropdown Z to AD : 9 to 12 on the 'guts' tab. this is the source of the 2nd dependent dropdown

sorry, kvsrinivasamurthy I messed up the rep you earned. while i was editing the note I accidentally hit send.

what I meant to say was:

You were exceptionally patient, extraordinarily knowledgeable, and and infinitely helpful. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. It works!

sorry I messed it up.