---
title: Managed Metadata Columns in Your SharePoint List
description: Learn to create and use Managed Metadata columns in SharePoint for better data accuracy, hierarchy, and user-friendly list management.
---

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# [Managed Metadata Columns in Your SharePoint List](https://pragmaticworks.com/blog/managed-metadata-columns-in-your-sharepoint-list)

 Written by [Jonathon Silva](https://pragmaticworks.com/blog/author/jonathon-silva) | Jul 31, 2025

[**Jonathon Silva**](https://pragmaticworks.com/instructors/jonathon-silva) walks through the process of creating and using *Managed Metadata* columns in SharePoint lists. This feature enhances data consistency and usability by allowing users to select hierarchical terms from a centralized term store, reducing errors and improving the user experience.

 

#### Why Use Managed Metadata?

- Improves data accuracy by linking related fields (e.g., Category and Item).
- Prevents mismatched selections common with standard choice columns.
- Enables hierarchical term structures for better organization.
- Reusable across multiple lists within the SharePoint site.

#### Step-by-Step Setup Guide

1. **Access the SharePoint List:** Navigate to the list where you want to add the managed metadata column.
2. **Open Site Settings:** Click the gear icon in the top-right corner and select *Site Information*, then *View All Site Settings*.
3. **Go to Site Columns:** Under *Web Designer Galleries*, select *Site Columns* to manage or create new columns.
4. **Create a New Column:** Click *Create*, name your column (e.g., *Category SL Item*), and choose *Managed Metadata* as the type.
5. **Configure Term Set:** Scroll down to customize the term set. Enable the option to display the full path and allow fill-in choices if desired.
6. **Build the Hierarchy:** Create top-level terms (e.g., Technology, Furniture, Office Supplies) and add sub-terms (e.g., Curved Monitor, Standing Desk, Blue Pens) under each category.
7. **Save and Apply:** Once the term set is complete, save it and return to your list to add the new managed metadata column.

#### Using the Managed Metadata Column

- When adding a new item, users can now select from a structured list of terms.
- The system ensures that only valid category-item combinations are chosen.
- Users can search for terms (e.g., “Standing Desk”) and see their category context (e.g., Furniture).
- Existing list items can be updated to use the new metadata column for consistency.

#### Benefits and Considerations

- Streamlines data entry and reduces human error.
- Ideal for scenarios like Manufacturer/Product or Category/Item relationships.
- Managed metadata is accessible across lists, promoting reuse and standardization.
- Note: Integration with Power Automate requires additional steps but is manageable.

**Conclusion:** Managed Metadata columns offer a powerful way to enhance SharePoint list functionality. By leveraging term sets and hierarchical structures, organizations can ensure cleaner data and a better user experience. For more tutorials like this, subscribe to Pragmatic Works’ YouTube channel or explore their on-demand learning platform.

Don't forget to check out the [Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform](https://learning.pragmaticworkstraining.com/freeTrial/MarketingSiteODLTrial) for more insightful content and training sessions on SharePoint and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the [Pragmatic Works YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/pragmaticworks?sub_confirmation=1) to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks. 

[View full post](https://pragmaticworks.com/blog/managed-metadata-columns-in-your-sharepoint-list)

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