The data validation feature of Excel is quite handy. You can use the feature to specify a range of values that are considered acceptable for user input. Normally, Excel expects you to specify your validation range as being on the same worksheet where you are defining the validation rule. If you try to enter a range that is on another worksheet or in another workbook, Excel balks and gives you an error message.
What if you want the validation range to be on another worksheet, just so you don't clutter up the current worksheet with extraneous data? The easiest way to do that is to follow these general steps:
This approach works great if the data validation range is in the same workbook. What if you want to use a data validation range that is in a different workbook entirely? You can trick Excel into accepting your external reference if, in step 7, you enter a formula such as the following:
=INDIRECT("[Book2]Sheet1!D6")
This formula uses the INDIRECT function to return the value at a cell on another worksheet, and the data validation feature will accept it with no problems. In this case the cell being checked is at cell D6 on Sheet1 of Book2. In order for this to work, you will need to make sure that Book2 is open at the same time that your main workbook is open.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2813) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: External Data Validation.
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2022-01-12 18:56:13
Chris
Thanks for the help!
2015-10-17 08:59:14
marty
Hello, I have tried this and it works, but when I want to use these files on my home computer, it doesn't recognize the link. Example is when I do work on my laptop where I created the file, store it in Dropbox and then use later at home on desktop. Using 2010.
Thanks
Marty
2015-01-06 14:09:00
SusanD
What if I want to validate based on a named range of cells? Do both Workbooks have to be saved in the same location?
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