Forum Discussion
Solved
Can I Use the VLOOKUP Formula to Return a Data Validation Drop Down List?
I'm wondering if it's possible to use the VLOOKUP formula to return an entire Data Validation List (with all possible options), not just the value that is currently selected. In the attached exam...
No, you can't use VLookup, but you could still add data validation. The caveat is that you can't have user input and a lookup formula in the same cell, so you would need to add a column for user selection from the data validation list. Then, using an IF formula in the instructor field, you can perform a lookup when there is only one instructor, or pull from the user's selection from the data validation when there is more than one.
Oh. That's a new one on me. Thanks. I think I'll go with JMB17's response below because it doesn't require the use of a "helper range," like B23. But it's good to know how to make this kind of reference. I kind of migrated all of my work that needed to manipulate ranges to Sheets a bit ago, because their methods seemed more straightforward to me at the time. Now I have fallen behind on how to do that in excel. Thanks to both of you for the pointers.
dholcombpa , you are welcome