If you can use programming, there's a sample workbook on my web site
that shows a product name and code in the Data Validation dropdown list.
After an item is selected, the cell shows only the product name. You
could adapt this to your workbook.

On the following page:

http://www.contextures.com/excelfiles.html

Under the data validation heading, look for 'Data Validation "Columns"

gborn wrote:
When creating drop downs in Excel (e.g., through Data Validation) is there
any way to show a code along with descriptive info so that the code can be
entered into the cell, but the descriptive info provides the user with an
explanation of the code when they click the drop-down?


--
Debra Dalgleish
Excel FAQ, Tips & Book List
http://www.contextures.com/tiptech.html