Understanding list names

I have two lists (call them A and B). A has a column that I would like to make only have values from a column in B, by way of a drop down list.

When I read the help docs, it says: "If the list of entries might change, name the list range, then enter the name in the Source box. When the named range grows or shrinks because of changes you make to the list on the worksheet, the list of valid entries for the cell automatically reflect the changes."

Perfect. This is what I want. So I create the list using the wizard, and I give it a name. But if I refer to that name in the Source box, I get an error. How do I actually refer to this name?

Thanks for any help. Searches on the web have not been useful so far.

Originally Posted by babushniik

I have two lists (call them A and B). A has a column that I would like to make only have values from a column in B, by way of a drop down list.

When I read the help docs, it says: "If the list of entries might change, name the list range, then enter the name in the Source box. When the named range grows or shrinks because of changes you make to the list on the worksheet, the list of valid entries for the cell automatically reflect the changes."

Perfect. This is what I want. So I create the list using the wizard, and I give it a name. But if I refer to that name in the Source box, I get an error. How do I actually refer to this name?

Thanks for any help. Searches on the web have not been useful so far.

select range of cells in col B where you have list then to give it a name put name in name box (at the most left side of formula bar)
then select cells in column A where you want to make drop down list to enter values which are in column B

go to
Data > Validation > under Allow category select List
and in Source field put
=name
also uncheck Ignore blank option

(use name that you have given to items in column B instead of "name")

Regards

That solution does not work, as the range is still static. I need to make it so that when I add a new object to Column B, it automatically adds it to the list.

Originally Posted by babushniik

That solution does not work, as the range is still static. I need to make it so that when I add a new object to Column B, it automatically adds it to the list.

select range in col B with some blank cells at the bottom
e.g if currently data is in the range of B1:B10 select B1:B15 or more (depends that how much data you need to have entered in future) then give this range a name and use this name in Data Validation.
remember to uncheck Ignore Blank option on Validation window.

when you will enter more data in this range (B1:B15) it will automatically be shown in drop down lists in col A.

hopefully this will serve your purpose.

Regards.