Get position (in number) of selected item in dropdown list - vba

Question

In a dropdown list I have a few items. Can I, when I select an item, get the position of that item in the list as a number?

Answer 1

If you are looking for the index of a Data Validation list, this is what I'd do:
Put the following code in the ThisWorkbook module:
Private Sub Workbook_SheetChange(ByVal Sh As Object, ByVal Target As Range)
Dim ValidationIndex As Long
Dim rngTest As Excel.Range
'assumes the data validation is in a cell named "rngTest"
On Error Resume Next
Set rngTest = Sh.Range("rngTest")
If rngTest Is Nothing Then
Exit Sub
End If
On Error GoTo 0
If Not Intersect(ActiveCell, Sh.Range("rngTest")) Is Nothing Then
ValidationIndex = GetValidationIndex
MsgBox ValidationIndex
End If
End Sub
Put this function in the ThisWorkbook module also, or else in any regular module:
Function GetValidationIndex() As Long
'returns a 1-based index
Dim rngTest As Excel.Range
Dim varValidationString As Variant
Dim ErrNumber As Long
Dim i As Long
With ActiveCell.Validation
If .Type = xlValidateList Then '3
On Error Resume Next
Set rngTest = ActiveCell.Parent.Range(.Formula1)
'I do this goofy thing with ErrNumber to keep my indenting and flow pretty
ErrNumber = Err.Number
On Error GoTo 0
'if the Validation is defined as a range
If ErrNumber = 0 Then
GetValidationIndex = Application.WorksheetFunction.Match(ActiveCell.Value2, rngTest, 0)
Exit Function
'if the validation is defined by comma-separated values
Else
varValidationString = Split(.Formula1, ",")
For i = LBound(varValidationString) To UBound(varValidationString)
If varValidationString(i) = ActiveCell.Value2 Then
GetValidationIndex = i + 1
Exit Function
End If
Next i
End If
End If
End With
End Function

Answer 2

If you are using a list or combo box, ListIndex would seem to be what you are after.
VB Help for ListIndex property: Returns or sets the index number of the currently selected item in a list box or combo box. Read/write Long. Remarks. You cannot use this property with multiselect list boxes.
If nothing is selected, ListIndex's value is -1. If memory serves, it is a zero based index.
ListIndex cannot be set at design time so it is not listed in the properties window.
When entering your code, type the list box name then dot and the editor displays all the available properties. Scroll down the list, note any that look interesting, then look them up.

Answer 3

I think it is not necessary to use a function. You can get it by using only Match function, like in above Doug's answer.
Dim GetValidationIndex as Integer
Dim rngTest as Range
' Get the validation list
With ActiveCell.Validation
Set rngTest = ActiveCell.Parent.Range(.Formula1)
end with
GetValidationIndex = Application.WorksheetFunction.Match(ActiveCell.Value2, rngTest, 0)

Answer 4

The function GetValidationIndex is good.
However, for some regional settings the line varValidationString = Split(.Formula1, ",") is not valid, because the character used to separate the different values is ";"
I suggest use:
varValidationString = Split(.Formula1, Application.International(xlListSeparator))