if one cell has this, the other says this....

[Guest]

I am trying to create a formula so that the first cell, created as a
drop-down box, could be used to select a specific text. Based off the choice
selected, the next cell would have text entered automatically. For example,
from the drop-down cell box (A1) you would select the code, and the
subsequent cell (A2) would display its description.

What would my formula look like?

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

You can use Data Validation to create dropdown lists. There are
instructions in Excel's help, and here:

http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal01.html

To return the related information for the selected item, you can use a
VLookup formula. There are instructions and examples here:

http://www.contextures.com/xlFunctions02.html

There's a sample file that uses Data Validation and VLookup formulas here:

http://www.contextures.com/excelfiles.html#Function

Under Data Validation, look for 'Order Form'

 

[Guest]

are you saying the "text" in the second cell is not the same as the text that
forms your list for the drop down box?If that is the case a drop down box
with an index or choose function referencing the cell link would do it

 

[Guest]

You are correct- the drop-down list has different text than the 2nd cell. For
example, if I select "TX" from the drop-down list, the second cell would say
"Texas". So what do you mean by an index or choose function? I am not too
familiar with the text functions, so these are new to me. Could you possibly
write out the function for me so that I understand?

Thank you for your help,
Laura

 

[Guest]

OK - I have figured it out.
However, I have not figured out how to have a blank in the dropdown box. I
would like the default value to be blank in the drop-down box. I even entered
a blank cell into the data validation's source. What do I do?