Put the material in column A of sheet2 and the cost in column B.

Then you could use a formula like:

=if(a1="","",vlookup(a1,sheet2!a:b,2,false))

to return the cost (if the data|validation cell were A1).

Debra Dalgleish has lots of tips about =vlookup() at:
http://contextures.com/xlFunctions02.html

Nigel wrote:
>
> Hi,
> i have a question if anyone can help me with using data validation. i have a
> column range ( C6:C30) i want to set it up so it gives me a drop down list
> with the following content
> mdf
> birch ply
> small glass shelves
> large glass shelves
> opal acrylic
> clear acrylic
> metal frames
> ali channel
>
> in the next column (e6:e25)
>
> the costs
> £8.50
> £14.50
> £25.00
> £40.00
> £33.00
> £33.00
> £65.00
> £22.00
>
> basically, i want to be able to select a material, and the cost alters
> accordingly in the next column. i would like the information to be added on a
> separate sheet called material data that i can update.
>
> if anyone can help, it would be a great help.
>
> thanks,
>
> n.s.

--

Dave Peterson