Validation with a Named Range

Using a list with the Validation tool in Excel is a useful way of maintaining consistency in a spreadsheet. Combining it with a Named Range can make it more effective!

Let’s say you are using a dropdown box in a cell that refers to a list of employees. For convenience and to assure consistent spelling, you have created the dropdown box using the List feature on Validation.

Rather than having to put up with the hassle of adding/deleting employees from the reference list and then having to adjust the list range, you can simply Name a Range “Employees”, (with sufficient room to add names in the future), and refer to “Employees” in the list box in the Validation dialogue box.

Give it a try. I think you'll like this “Home on the Range”…