I'm making a very simple excel spreadsheet for use in the machining industry, and it uses a drop-down list to offer different metal alloys commonly used in machining.

I want the drop-down list to offer a list of metals expressed in English words, number codes, or some combination. For example, "12L14" and "1144" are both commonly-known designations for steel alloys...or..."360" is a designation for a brass alloy. At any rate, I need the drop-down list to offer the choices using terms a machinist will understand.

My problem is that I can't figure out how to make a number associate itself with the different metal alloy designations - the numbers are used in a specific math formula for calculating the needed speed to set a milling machine or lathe to cut that particular metal. Each alloy has a certain numerical value called "surface feet per minute" that allows it to be machined well, so each metal alloy has a different number.

Some examples of the alloy designations with their SFPM numbers would be:
1144 = 50


Drill Rod = 50
12L14 = 80
Brass = 150
Aluminum = 250
Etc., etc., etc.

So how can I offer a drop-down list that offers metal alloy choices while elsewhere in the workbook a formula inserts a number for calculation that is unique to that metal alloy? I can write the formula with no problem, I just don't see how I can make the formula pick up the specific number I need based on the metal alloy the user chooses from my drop-down list.

Thanks in advance.