How to list data in cells from a range based on selection from another cell?

[kwest3904]

How to list data in row based on selection from another cell?

I have ranges named:
Categories [A7..A8]
Plans [cells C2..F2]
VP_Plans [cells G2..L2]

Cell A3 is set as a drop down using data validation using Categories. What I would like is when select a category, it would fill in either Plans or VP_Plans in cell C5, D5, etc. based on the category chosen.

I can do this using IMPORTRANGE in google sheets but for a variety or reasons need to be able to in Excel.

Note that the range Plans is shorter than VP_Plans.
Help?

[Glenn Kennedy]

Wyill you please attach a SMALL sample Excel workbook (10-20 rows of data is usually enough)? However, please give us an indication of the approximate number of rows of data you want the solution to work with (100, 1000, 100,000 or whatever). Please DO NOT attach a picture of an Excel sheet (I do not have the patience to re-type any/all your stuff before starting).

1. It does NOT have to be your real sheet - mock up a SAMPLE if you need to. But not 1000's of rows!!! It makes manual checking so tedious. Whatever you do... make sure that all confidential information is removed first!!

2. Make sure that your sample data are truly REPRESENTATIVE of your real data. For example, don't show text in a column if it's really a number. The use of unrepresentative data is very frustrating and can lead to long delays in reaching a solution.

3. Make sure that your desired solution is also shown (mock up the results manually). To be honest, I am not interested in seeing a non-working formula... or a pile of blank cells. However, I am very interested in seeing your EXPECTED results in their EXPECTED location.

4. Try not to use merged cells. They cause lots of problems and are DEFINITELY best avoided!

Unfortunately the attachment icon doesn't work at the moment. So, to attach an Excel file you have to do the following: Just before posting, scroll down to Go Advanced and then scroll down to Manage Attachments. Now follow the instructions at the top of that screen.