Excel Gurus?????

[b.latiolais]

Does anyone know how to use excel as a database?

In other words, If I validate a cell to list a drop down menu, based on my selection in the drop down menu, information pertaining to that selection would be automaticly entered in to other cells....

Does this make sense?

[BSOB]

sounds like you just need to write multiple IF formulas in the cells that you want the data to be automatically entered into. let me know if you need help with them.

[Vantage Point]

pm on it's way.

[Lynda]

It should just be a case of putting the =A3 (or wherever your drop down cell ref. is) into each cell you want to reflect the selection.

Never mind - been using Google spreadsheets too long. It doesn't work in Excel.

[PSD Ryan]

I think you need to use Microsoft Access for that feature

[Lynda]

I think you need to use Microsoft Access for that feature

Naw - you should be able to do it, it's just getting the formula right. Access is just basically a user friendly interface to manage data - data that is managed in tabulated or delimited format - such as a spreadsheet. I'm heading home, or I would be staring at Excel trying to figure it out. I'll check in later to see.

[b.latiolais]

I think you need to use Microsoft Access for that feature

I'm thinking about buying this program. Do you use it much?

[b.latiolais]

sounds like you just need to write multiple IF formulas in the cells that you want the data to be automatically entered into. let me know if you need help with them.

I feel like the formula would be 10 miles long if I enter that many IF's in there.

[BSOB]

I feel like the formula would be 10 miles long if I enter that many IF's in there.

how many options are in your drop down?

[PSD Ryan]

Nope. I don't use anything microsoft. I'm on linux. I also don't have any use for databases other than MySQL so I don't do much with standalone database programs

[Loneaggie]

Excel = Spreadsheet
Access = Database

Depends on what your use is. Spreadsheets are best at dealing with numbers and formulas based on them. Now you can do some not numeric stuff, and even some minor logic in them, but they aren't the best for storing lots of information and then going to find it. Examples:

Client Address Book: Database
Home Budget: Spreadsheet
Home Inventory: Either (but I lean toward a Database)

Spreadsheets are less intimidating to people, and you can convert from one to the other if you start to a spreadsheet and outgrow it. I've seen some pretty cool stuff done in Excel, and I've also seen people stuck with a 10 y.o. version of Office because their highly customized Excel Spreadsheet won't work in newer versions.

[b.latiolais]

how many options are in your drop down?

On this particular sheet, about 40.

[Loneaggie]

Nope. I don't use anything microsoft. I'm on linux. I also don't have any use for databases other than MySQL so I don't do much with standalone database programs

Not a fan of theirs either. Sadly Access doesn't have a lot of solid competition in its niche. FileMaker can be ok or a nightmare depending on your needs. SQLite is often a better fit for most small uses than even MySQL... I've seen MySQL used for things that could have been done easier and better with a pipe delimited flat file lol.

The world's a changing that's for sure. SaS is growing fast, and its definitely going to force some changes on the standalone desktop apps.

[b.latiolais]

Excel = Spreadsheet
Access = DatabaseDepends on what your use is. Spreadsheets are best of dealing with numbers and formulas based on them. Now you can do some not numeric stuff, and even some minor logic in them, but they aren't the best for storing lots of information and then going to find it. Examples:

Client Address Book: Database
Home Budget: Spreadsheet
Home Inventory: Either (but I lean toward a Database)

Spreadsheets are less intimidating to people, and you can convert from one to the other if you start to a spreadsheet and outgrow it. I've seen some pretty cool stuff done in Excel, and I've also seen people stuck with a 10 y.o. version of Office because their highly customized Excel Spreadsheet won't work in newer versions.

Yea, this is what I figured.

That's why I'm leaning towards buying Access. I'm needing to use more of a database feature. I consider myself somewhat "good" in Excel and I can't seem to make it do what I want.

You have much experience with Access?

[BSOB]

On this particular sheet, about 40.

then yeah, its going to be long, but it will work. I have an example with 4 options if you want to see it. it shouldnt take you very long to write one for 40.