Excel Challenge 14: Using Multiple Sources for a Dropdown List

This month's challenge is a good one! We’re combining our knowledge of data validation with performing a lookup in multiple sources. If this is your first GoSkills Excel Challenge, here’s how it works:

• First, watch the challenge video and read the instructions below the video
• Download the Excel worksheet you will use to complete the challenge tasks
• Put yourself to the test!

If you want to chat about your approach with other Excel-heads (which we highly recommend), join our Slack channel to share your insights and questions with like-minded learners.

The challenge

Here’s the scenario to be solved from the download file:

You run a coffee shop where you receive your supply of coffee from one of three manufacturers, each set up with its own table. Each product is given a product code and an associated price.

The mission

You want to be able to select a product code from a dropdown list and display the name of the supplier and the price in a way that allows the lists and results to be updated whenever values are added to or removed from the tables.

I might have used the following GoSkills resources to help me solve this challenge (wink, wink  ;-) )

Prefer to read the articles? Here you go:

• Working With Excel Dynamic Arrays 
• A Beginner's Guide to Power Query, Power Pivot and Power BI 

Think you got it? Then let's jump in!

Download the file below to get started. As usual, we're all hanging out on our Slack channel to share ideas and to let you know if you're on the right track. And if you found a solution that doesn't involve the above ideas, we'd love to hear about that too!

We hope you'll enjoy taking part in this challenge!

The solution

Stay tuned to the GoSkills Excel Resource hub for more Excel challenges, and check out our range of expert-led Excel courses for all skill levels to further sharpen your skills.

Ready to learn how Excel Power Query will change your life? Try our Power Query course to step up your Excel game!