I'm trying to create a spreadsheet with multiple fields whose values are
limited by Excel data validation lists. Rather than simply listing each
value in the source I'd like subsequent field validations to be limited based
on the prior selections. In other words the fields are related so only
combinations in the source table should be permitted. Below is a simplified
example.

MODEL SIZE COLOR
A Sm Black
A Med White
B Sm Black
B Sm Red
B Med Blue
B Lar Green

For MODEL the user is presented with the 2 distinct values: A, B.
If B is selected the user is presented with 3 distinct values for SIZE: Sm,
Med, Lar.
If Sm is selected the user is presented with 2 distinct values for COLOR:
Black, Red.

How can this be accomplished in Excel?

I think what you're looking for is Dependent dropdowns. Have a look here
for more information.

http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal13.html
--
HTH,
Barb Reinhardt

If thiIs post was helpful to you, please click YES below.



"David" wrote:

> I'm trying to create a spreadsheet with multiple fields whose values are
> limited by Excel data validation lists. Rather than simply listing each
> value in the source I'd like subsequent field validations to be limited based
> on the prior selections. In other words the fields are related so only
> combinations in the source table should be permitted. Below is a simplified
> example.
>
> MODEL SIZE COLOR
> A Sm Black
> A Med White
> B Sm Black
> B Sm Red
> B Med Blue
> B Lar Green
>
> For MODEL the user is presented with the 2 distinct values: A, B.
> If B is selected the user is presented with 3 distinct values for SIZE: Sm,
> Med, Lar.
> If Sm is selected the user is presented with 2 distinct values for COLOR:
> Black, Red.
>
> How can this be accomplished in Excel?

I think that'll do it. Thanks!

"Barb Reinhardt" wrote:

> I think what you're looking for is Dependent dropdowns. Have a look here
> for more information.
>
> http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal13.html
> --
> HTH,
> Barb Reinhardt
>
> If thiIs post was helpful to you, please click YES below.
>
>
>
> "David" wrote:
>
> > I'm trying to create a spreadsheet with multiple fields whose values are
> > limited by Excel data validation lists. Rather than simply listing each
> > value in the source I'd like subsequent field validations to be limited based
> > on the prior selections. In other words the fields are related so only
> > combinations in the source table should be permitted. Below is a simplified
> > example.
> >
> > MODEL SIZE COLOR
> > A Sm Black
> > A Med White
> > B Sm Black
> > B Sm Red
> > B Med Blue
> > B Lar Green
> >
> > For MODEL the user is presented with the 2 distinct values: A, B.
> > If B is selected the user is presented with 3 distinct values for SIZE: Sm,
> > Med, Lar.
> > If Sm is selected the user is presented with 2 distinct values for COLOR:
> > Black, Red.
> >
> > How can this be accomplished in Excel?