In this article we will show you how to display multiple columns in a validation list in Excel.
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 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 above
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
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