How to display multiple columns in a validation list

In this article we will show you how to display multiple columns in a validation list in Excel. We will show you a method that can then be applied to your data.

To create a validation list with multiple columns, we'll need to trick Excel to accept to create a validation list with multiple columns Example to show the range A1 to C20 (20 rows and 3 columns). Start by naming the range A1 to A20 as "List" then highlight A1 to A20 and following the procedures outlined below:

Excel 2003 and earlier version

• Insert / Name / Define

• In the Name text box in the workbook: name the range as a list

• Create a list of validations in E3 (Data / Validation, in Allow: select "List" in Source: type =List)
• Open the Name manager Insert/Name/Define, select the name of the range (List)
• In "Refers to": Change the values from $A$1:$A$20 to $A$1:$C$20

Excel 2007 and beyond

• Data tab / Data Validation module

• In the name text box: name the range as List

• Create a list of validations in E3 (Data/Validation, in Allow: select "List" in Source: type =List)
• Open the Name manager: Formula tab/set name/Name Manager, select the name of the range (List)
• In "Refers to": Change the values from $A$1:$A$20 to $A$1:$C$20