There is a sample file here that shows how to do this:

http://contextures.com/excelfiles.html#DataVal

Look for:

DV0004 - Data Validation Change -- Select a Product from the Data Validation
list; an event procedure changes the product name to a product code.

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"marcia2026" wrote in message
...
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?