I'd put the phone numbers in the column to the right of the list of names.

Then you could use an =vlookup() formula to return what you want.

Say your data|validation cell is A1.
Your list of names/phone numbers is in sheet2!a1:B99.

Then you could use:

=if(a1="","",vlookup(a1,sheet2!$a$1:$b$99,2,false) )

Visit Debra Dalgleish's site:
http://www.contextures.com/xlFunctions02.html
for nice instructions.

Ajay wrote:

Afternoon all
Having a senior moment in need of help.
I have created a list of names using data validation that works fine what I
need to do next is once a name is chosen automatically have their phone
number appear in the next cell. I am sure its possible so if you have any
ideas they would be much appreciated.
TIA
Ajay

--

Dave Peterson