How can I create a floating text box in excel that contains data from a worksheet?

You can use a dynamic image instead of a text box. You can build the contents of the "Text Box" on a separate sheet, in regular worksheet cells, using formulas to display the desired text. Then select the cells, copy them as picture (the copy drop-down on the home ribbon) and paste the picture into your dashboard sheet. This produces a static screenshot of the selected cells. To make the image dynamic, select the pasted image, then hit F2 to activate the formula bar. Type a = sign and then select the cells where the original data lives. Hit enter.

Now the image updates every time the original data changes.

The steps above are for 2007 and later. For Excel 2003 and earlier use the camera tool instead of "Copy as Picture". The other steps are the same.

As for anchoring the image at the top, select the cell below the picture, move the selection to column A in the same row and then use View > Freeze Panes.


I found this on another site. Credit to Tom Urtis, Microsoft MVP - Excel.

Maybe Watch Window will help? Select your table, then hit Alt+T+U+W and add that selection to watch. It will float and be visible even if you select other sheets, and you can double-click its window pane to go directly to that sheet and range from anywhere in the workbook.