Combination of IF function with Data Validation

**David Schibler** · 09-30-2009, 04:32 AM

Hello, I am trying to combine a data validation list with an "IF" function.
Example IF(A1="XXX",...) data should come from name range "AA1" in a pull down menu, IF(A1="YYY"....) data should come from name range "AA2" in the pull down menu.
In A2 ,the user shall only be able to choose from the data relevant to the category chosen in A1.

Is this somehow possible? (I am using Excel 2007)
Thanks a lot for your help.

**DonkeyOte** · 09-30-2009, 04:58 AM

Please ensure you post your question in a relevant forum - I have on this occasion moved to Excel General forum.

It sounds to me as though you want to use what's generally referred to as Dependent Data Validation, see this excellent tutorial: http://www.contextures.com/xldataval02.html

**Jboogaard** · 09-30-2009, 05:43 AM

it is possible to make a reference sheet where you create a few cells that change accoring to formulas within them. Lets say if Sheet A1 changes a formula on your reference page can show a number accoringily, using the standard if function in a cell.
when a user changes sheet1 A1 your reference page will now change.
The only thing you now have to to is link datavalidation to the cell (or range of cells) on your reference page. A datavalidation list can now contain values that change with an if function