Excel Drop Down + search function

Question

I have a drop down with a lot of list in it. Its taking a long time just to search / scrolling down through the list.

is there any way to make it easier? For example: I can extend the scroll range longer (which is currently 8 items only), or maybe some sort of AutoComplete by typing the item name.

Its just basically to search the item easier in the drop down list. Thanks!

Answer 1

You can use:

1. Cascading dropdown (such as xls cascading lookup based on pivot table style datasource? and http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal02.html )
2. Use a formula in the Named Range for your List Validation that will simulate an autocomplete
   1. Create a named range Test with this kind of formula : =OFFSET($A$2,MATCH($C$1&"*",$A:$A,0)-2,0,COUNT($A:$A))
   2. Where:
      • your list of data is in column A (values should be sorted alphabetically)
      • the current cell where you are applying the validation on is C1
   3. Then you can:
      • start typing the text you want in cell A1, for instance Wash
      • then click on the drop-down list
      • the dropdown list will begin at Whashington and so on

I've just translated it from one of my old workbook so tell me if anything doesn't work.

[EDIT] Just a quick test seem to make it work (you should also restrain the end of the list for the beauty of the formula)