Data Validation Input Message = formula?

[nathee021]

Is there any way to use a formula for the input message when using data validation? Here is what I am trying to accomplish:

User clicks drop down and selects a cost code from list. When they select the cost code, there is a temporary window next to it that shows the description of the cost code, so they can be sure they are selecting the correct code.

If input message in data validation is not the correct way to go about accomplishing this, any suggestions?

 

[Yongle]

Why not simply use 2 columns?
- column A = description (contains dropdown)
- column B = account no (contains formula)
- user selects from dropdown is in column A and lookup formula in column B returns the correct acccount number

 

[Yongle]

There are lots of ways of using VBA - here is one suggestion to whet your appetitie

Quickly test method as follows:

- create a new workbook with 2 sheets (Sheet1 and Sheet2)

In Sheet2
- paste values below into cells A1 to B3

100004	Cars
100005	Vans
100006	Bikes

<tbody>
</tbody>

- paste formula =A1&" "&B1 into C1 and copy down to C2 & C3
- select C1:C3
- name that range MyList
(by typing MyList into the Name Box (the box above cell A1) and ENTER )

In sheet1
- select cells A2:A10
- on Data tab \ Data Validation \ List \ source =MyList
- right click on sheet tab \ View Code \ paste code below into the code window \ {alt}{F11} to go back to Excel

Private Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Range)
    If Target.Column <> 2 Then End
    Dim cel As Range, rng As Range
    Set rng = Range("A2", Range("A" & Rows.Count).End(xlUp))
        For Each cel In rng
            cel.Value = Left(cel.Value, 6)
        Next cel
End Sub

- select from dropdown in A2
- click on cell B2
- select from dropdown in A3
- click on cell B3
etc

 

[nathee021]

Thank you both!

 

[Yongle]

you are welcome from us both

 

[nathee021]

LMAO Sorry did not notice you had posted both options!