Missing blank in Dynamic range

[Graham Haughs]

I have a named dynamic range with the source
=OFFSET(Data!$J$2,0,0,COUNTA(Data!$J:$J),1)
Thia is set up as the data validation list in a cell with a drop down
list It is set so that once the drop down is activated there is the
option of selecting a blank from the bottom of the list so that if you
activate the cell in error you don't have to delete any entry you are
forced to make, you can select the blank and leave the cell blank. This
works fine until the list gets quite long at which time there is no
option of a blank.I don't know the number in the list where this starts
but certainly a list over 100 has this problem. On shorter lists the
blank is selectable. The selection is correct as when you check the
named list it shows the correct range. I would welcome any views on
solving this if it can be resolved.

Kind regards
Graham Haughs
Turriff
Scotland

 

[Biff]

Hi!

A DV drop down list can hold up to 32,767 items.

If you're not getting a "blank selection" at the end of the list you
probably need to change the formula for the dynamic range.

Maybe to this:

=OFFSET(Data!$J$2,0,0,COUNTA(Data!$J:$J)+1)

Biff

 

[Tom Hutchins]

I tried both the original formula and Biff's variation and the DV dropdown
stopped displaying the extra blank row if the list included more than 148
items. I don't know how this will work with the design of your spreadsheet,
but I was able to have a blank row in the drop down and display all the data
(I tested with 1000 rows) if I put the blank row at the TOP of the named
range. This is more convenient for your users who accidentally click the
dropdown and want to leave it blank. I used this formula to craete the named
range:

=OFFSET(Data!$J$1,0,0,COUNTA(Data!$J:$J)+1,1)

Hope this helps,

Hutch

 

[Graham Haughs]

Hi Biff, nice to hear from you again. I used your formula which gives
two blanks at end of list but they will still not appear in the drop
down list. It will on smaller lists but not on the longer ones I am using.

Graham

 

[Biff]

I'm having no trouble getting the blank selection no matter how many items
are in the list (up to the limit) but I like your idea about putting the
empty cell at the top of the range. That way the user doesn't have to scroll
to the bottom of the drop down to make that selection.

Biff

 

[Graham Haughs]

Nice one Hutch, it is useful to have the blank at the top of the list
and although I have headers on the source lists this can be modified to
accomodate this. Glad you managed to replicate the problem, I was
beginning to doubt my sanity. Thanks to all.


Graham