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Removing blank entries from Excel data validation with dependant lists


I need help removing blank entries from an Excel data validation list.

I’ve looked at various solutions, but in my implementation I am using dependent lists to drive several VLOOKUP, so none of the solutions I have found seem to work. As an Excel novice it’s difficult to work out which path I should be heading down, so I’d be grateful to anyone that could help out.

If anyone feels like a challenge and wants to have a look, my sheet can be accessed at: https://www.dropbox.com/s/b7lxe9oagzdaniy/MRF_Dashboard_v0.6.1.1.xlsm?dl=a


Solution

  • For your New list, in Raw!DL2 use this array formula.

    =IF(LEN(DL1),IFERROR(INDEX($A$2:$A$99, MATCH(0,IF($A$2:$A$99<>"",IF($DK$2:$DK$99="",COUNTIF(DL$1:DL1,$A$2:$A$99),1),1),0)),""),"")
    

    Array formulas require Ctrl+Alt+Delete to finalize. Once entered correctly you can fill down to Raw!DL100. This array formula produces a list of the numbers from column A where column DK is blank.

    Similarly, the array formula for Raw!DM2 would be:

    =IF(LEN(DM1),IFERROR(INDEX($A$2:$A$999, MATCH(0,IF($A$2:$A$999<>"",IF($DK$2:$DK$999="Pending",COUNTIF(DM$1:DM1,$A$2:$A$999),1),1),0)),""),"")
    

    Fill down as necessary.