Excel 2007 : Creating an output from a data validation drop down

**CraigyBoy** · 09-09-2010, 03:59 AM

Hi, I am trying to create an output of a job description from a data validation drop down box that contains job numbers. What is the best way to do this?

Do i need to be using a combo box from the developer tab or is the data validation table ok to use?

Regards

**JBeaucaire** · 09-09-2010, 11:12 AM

So a DV drop box displays a list of job codes in a cell and you select one, you want the job's "description" to appear automatically in an adjacent cell on that row?

The data itself all needs to be in a lookup table somewhere. Then give a named range to the column with the codes (highlight the range and type in CODES in the name box), then highlight the matching range of descriptions and name it JOBDESC.

Use the CODES as the source list for a data validation drop down in the first cell/column.

Then use a standard lookup formula in the second cell, something like:
=INDEX(JOBDESC, MATCH($A2, CODES, 0))

**CraigyBoy** · 09-10-2010, 03:25 AM

Thanks for the reply. I am at work now so will give that a go and report back.

**CraigyBoy** · 09-10-2010, 06:55 AM

Hi, I have followed your instructions however the formula does not work at the moment. I think it is because of the cell selection that in your example is "A2". What does this cell need to be in my table?

Also can I use the "0" that you have used at the end of your furmula?

Thanks