Drop down list and filtering data

**jcfz6r1** · 01-12-2012, 05:44 PM

Hello,
I have an interesting question about drop down lists and showing data.

I have a list of names, and another list of machinery. sort of like this:

Jim-------hammer
Bob------screw driver
Mike-----flash light
Steve----pliers

And I want to use a drop down list to show me who can work with what tools and who cannot with either a yes or no, like this:
------------tools-
-name----"drop down"
Jim----------yes
Bob---------yes
Mike---------no
Steve-------no

So I can select a tool from the list, and it will enter either a "yes" or "no" next to each persons name as to whether or not they can work with the selected tool? Hope that makes sense.

I realize I need to enter somewhere what guys can work with what tools, but I want to be able to have a nice clean way to look that all up.

I'm not even sure if it is possible to do what I want here, since my excel formula experience is pretty limited.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-Josh

**Richard Buttrey** · 01-12-2012, 06:32 PM

Hi Josh,

Why not just use a simple Data autofilter as in the attached example.

Regards

**Haseeb Avarakkan** · 01-12-2012, 09:35 PM

Hello Josh,

or try VLOOKUP like this,

=IF(VLOOKUP(lookup_name,names_machinery_data,2,0)=tools_dropdown_cell,"Yes","No")

**jcfz6r1** · 01-13-2012, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by Richard Buttrey

Hi Josh,

Why not just use a simple Data autofilter as in the attached example.

Regards

Thanks for the example. But what I'm looking to do is keep the list of names all on one sheet and just be able to select any tool and see and then see who is able to work with it. I have about 42 names that will eventually be on the list and upwards of 50 pieces of equipment as well. And when a customer calls for service on a particular piece of equipment I'd like to have a very quick reference as to who can work on that piece.

**jcfz6r1** · 01-13-2012, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by Haseeb A

Hello Josh,

or try VLOOKUP like this,

=IF(VLOOKUP(lookup_name,names_machinery_data,2,0)=tools_dropdown_cell,"Yes","No")

Ok, I understand the basics of the VLOOKUP function but am not sure exactly how that would work with the IF statement, if possible do you have an example?