Drop-down list formula

Ok my first time here so ill start by saying hello. Now heres what I want to do. I want to use a drop-down list so you can select different types of wood. That part i got. what i cant figure out is how to use my drop-down selection in a formula. I want the user to be able to select the type of wood in the drop-down, this will in turn add a specific number to an equation. (ex: picking spruce will in turn add 30 to the equation). How can I do this?

I assume you are using a data validation list for the drop-down? If so, let's assume the drop-down is in A2 and the list for the data validation is in B2:B10. In cells C2:C10, enter the corresponding values.

Here is one way:

In the formula, you can use INDEX/MATCH:

=INDEX(C2:C10,MATCH(A2,B2:B10,0),1)

HTH

Jason

You should be able to use IF function to evaluate the value in the cell (The value you selected from drop down) and you should be able to achieve what you want to.

NBVC: yes, each species of wood will have a different value. This formula is to calculate the dead loads in residential construction. what i want it to do is take the width x height x species value and give me the weight of the material.

JASON: that sounds like it can work..let me try that