Data Validation lists problem

[MrsLJCE]

So, I am creating a calculator. I have a drop down list in one cell and the next cell gives me a drop down list based on the previous cell. My question is, why do the lists not recognize the names if there is a space in it?

EX:

State
Massachusetts
New York

Massachusetts
Boston
Andover

New York
Rochester
Buffalo

If I chose New York it won't read the NY list, if I put an underscore where the space is it will work, but I can't always have an underscore....Help...please?!

 

[Gerald Higgins]

Hi, welcome to the board.

I can't replicate your problem, New York works fine for me.
How are you looking up the entries in the 2nd validation list ?

 

[Peter_SSs]

Welcome to the MrExcel board!

If you are trying to use named ranges, then you cannot use spaces. From the Excel help

The following is a list of syntax rules that you need to be aware of when you create and edit names.

Valid characters The first character of a name must be a letter, an underscore character (_), or a backslash (\). Remaining characters in the name can be letters, numbers, periods, and underscore characters.
Note You cannot use the uppercase and lowercase characters "C", "c", "R", or "r" as a defined name, because they are all used as a shorthand for selecting a row or column for the currently selected cell when you enter them in a Name or Go To text box.

Cell references disallowed Names cannot be the same as a cell reference, such as Z$100 or R1C1.
Spaces are not valid Spaces are not allowed as part of a name. Use the underscore character (_) and period (.) as word separators; for example, Sales_Tax or First.Quarter.
Name length A name can contain up to 255 characters.
Case sensitivity Names can contain uppercase and lowercase letters. Excel does not distinguish between uppercase and lowercase characters in names. For example, if you created the name Sales and then create another name called SALES in the same workbook, Excel prompts you to choose a unique name.

 

[MrsLJCE]

Is there another way to do it so that there can be spaces? can you use if statements for data validation lists?

I appreciate the help! I am slowly learning all that excel can do!

 

[Gerald Higgins]

Well I did it by creating a list for the possible values in the second validation list as an area on the worksheet, and making the values within that area depend on the choice made in the first validation list.