Create Drop-Down List Using a Formula Without Data Validation

Question

The data validation tool can be used to build a list. But can you accomplish the same thing using just a formula (and not VBA)?

I can make a reference to a named range in another cell (=Names) if it consists of numerous cells and is named. However, no drop-down menu offering all alternatives will be constructed; only the contents of the first of these cells will be visible.

Is it possible to do this without using VBA and without validating the data?

narikkadan · Answer 1 · Nov 8, 2022

As far as I am aware, it is not possible to generate a drop-down list using a formula rather than data validation, however, the following approach might be utilized to meet your needs.

A page layout like this:

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Data validation formula as following:
```
=IF($A$2="List",$C$2:$C$8,$D$2:$D$8)
```

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And also alert option will be disabled ( to be able to add custom data):

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When you write "List" in the cell "A2" you will get the Column C in the drop down list and if you do not write anything in cell "A2" you will get D column in the drop down list.

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