Dependent list using only unique values in drop down

**jwaldridge** · 08-09-2011, 06:04 PM

I have three named ranges.
List1, List2, List3

Using Excel Data Validation, i need a dependent list that shows only the unique values in the named range.

Based on value chosen from List1, i need to pick from List2 (unique values).
Based on value chosen from List2, i need to pick from List 3(unique values).

The problem I kept running into is getting the unique values when dealing with named ranges. The lists all have a lot of duplicates values that cant be removed from the original list so, they have to be removed behind the scenes (when determining the named range, or the validation source).

**tlafferty** · 08-09-2011, 06:09 PM

I'd be glad to take a look. Can you post a sample workbook?

**DonkeyOte** · 08-10-2011, 01:45 AM

For the sake of DV you will need to create physical lists that do not contain the duplicates.

In short... consider creating three (two if List1 is already unique) additional lists that generate unique values only and where List2 and List3 options are further restricted based on prior List selection.

Are the current lists sorted in any way ?

The alternative would be to use VBA to generate/build and assign the DV lists at run time.

**jwaldridge** · 08-10-2011, 05:45 PM

Here you are Sir.
Thanx very much!

**jwaldridge** · 08-10-2011, 05:46 PM

Will try... Thanx

**jwaldridge** · 08-10-2011, 05:56 PM

Cant work. Each list is a breakdown of codes (10 digit code broken down into 3 parts - List1 being three digits, List2 being four digits, List3 being three digits). If i eliminate the duplicates from the original list, the dependency will be ineffective. Some of the digits in List1 are repeated, but the subseqent codes in List2 are dependent upon List1. So are the codes in List3 - dependent on codes in List2.