First: How to Find Many Matches
To get to our dependent data validation list, we need to be able to extract all records for each category (in the example, all apps belonging to each division). My approach is to use the INDEX together with AGGREGATE function in order to come up with a CSE (Control Shift Enter) free version of the formula.
Second: Absolute Column Table Referencing
The second challenge is to fix the column referencing in the table so that it’s fixed and doesn’t move as we drag the formula.
Third: Create a Drop-down List that Excludes Empty Values
Here I use OFFSET together with COUNTIF and OFFSET again, to get a drop-down list that is restricted to the non-empty cells. I will be making a separate video on this in the coming months to explain the technique used in more detail.
AND finally in the end we get to our dependent drop down list :)
Feel free to Download the Workbook HERE.
Leila Gharani
I’ve spent over 20 years helping businesses use data to improve their results. I've worked as an economist and a consultant. I spent 12 years in corporate roles across finance, operations, and IT—managing SAP and Oracle projects.
As a 7-time Microsoft MVP, I have deep knowledge of tools like Excel and Power BI.
I love making complex tech topics easy to understand. There’s nothing better than helping someone realize they can do it themselves. I’m always learning new things too and finding better ways to help others succeed.
