You can't change the number of items displayed in a data validation drop
down list.

An alternative is to use a combo box from the Forms toolbar. You can select
how many items are displayed. However, a combo box works differently than a
DV drop down list.

A combo box is *always* visible as opposed to the DV drop down which is only
visible when the cell is selected.

A combo box doesn't actually reside in a cell, it "floats" above the
worksheet and for this reason you can't directly reference the selection
made in a combo box in a formula. You can link the combo box to a cell and
then refer to that cell but there's a catch to this. The linked cell will
return the index *number* of the selection and not the selection itself. So
then you'd need to match the index number of the selection to the actual
selection.

Sounds like a lot of BS to go through, don't it? Well, it's not as bad as I
make it sound! <g

If you want to go this route and need help just let us know.

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"TheMilkGuy" wrote in message
...
Hi folks!

Using Excel 2003 or later, is there a way to increase the length of
the drop-down box that you can use to choose from a created list?
(Data Validation)

Even with the screen maximized, the drop-down boxes are only 8 options
long.

Many thanks!!!
Craig