You can using an event code...

In the below link
http://www.contextures.com/excelfiles.html

search for the below...There is a sample file as well
DV0005 - Data Validation "Columns" -- Data Validation dropdown displays
product name and ID


If this post helps click Yes
---------------
Jacob Skaria


"marcia2026" wrote:

I have a spreadsheet that requires certain abreviations to be placed in one
column. I want to be able to show the user what choices that they have from
a drop-down list (i.e. Alabama - AL) but only put the abreviation in the
actual cell. How do I accomplish this?