How to random on excel

There may be cases when you need to generate random numbers in Excel.

For example, to select random winners from a list or to get a random list of numbers for data analysis or to create random groups of students in class.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to generate random numbers in Excel (with and without repetitions).

Generate Random Numbers in Excel

There are two worksheet functions that are meant to generate random numbers in Excel: RAND and RANDBETWEEN.

• RANDBETWEEN function would give you the random numbers, but there is a high possibility of repeats in the result.
• RAND function is more likely to give you a result without repetitions. However, it only gives random numbers between 0 and 1. It can be used with RANK to generate unique random numbers in Excel (as shown later in this tutorial).

Generate Random Numbers using RANDBETWEEN function in Excel

Excel RANDBETWEEN function generates a set of integer random numbers between the two specified numbers.

RANDBETWEEN function takes two arguments – the Bottom value and the top value. It will give you an integer number between the two specified numbers only.

For example, suppose I want to generate 10 random numbers between 1 and 100.

Here are the steps to generate random numbers using RANDBETWEEN:

• Select the cell in which you want to get the random numbers.
• In the active cell, enter =RANDBETWEEN(1,100).
• Hold the Control key and Press Enter.

This will instantly give me 10 random numbers in the selected cells.

While RANDBETWEEN makes it easy to get integers between the specified numbers, there is a high chance of repetition in the result.

For example, when I use the RANDBETWEEN function to get 10 random numbers and use the formula =RANDBETWEEN(1,10), it gives me a couple of duplicates.

If you’re OK with duplicates, RANDBETWEEN is the easiest way to generate random numbers in Excel.

Note that RANDBETWEEN is a volatile function and recalculates every time there is a change in the worksheet. To avoid getting the random numbers recalculate, again and again, convert the result of the formula to values.

Generate Unique Random Numbers using RAND and RANK function in Excel

I tested the RAND function multiple times and didn’t find duplicate values. But as a caution, I recommend you check for duplicate values when you use this function.

Suppose I want to generate 10 random numbers in Excel (without repeats).

Here are the steps to generate random numbers in Excel without repetition:

Now you can use the values in column B as the random numbers.

Note: RAND is a volatile formula and would recalculate every time there is any change in the worksheet. Make sure you have converted all the RAND function results to values.

Caution: While I checked and didn’t find repetitions in the result of the RAND function, I still recommend you check once you have generated these numbers. You can use Conditional Formatting to highlight duplicates or use the Remove Duplicate option to get rid of it.

You May Also Like the Following Excel Tutorials:

• Automatically Sort Data in Alphabetical Order using Formula.
• Random Group Generator Template
• How to Shuffle a List of Items/Names in Excel?
• How to Do Factorial (!) in Excel (FACT function)

Rand | RandBetween | RandArray

Excel has two very useful functions when it comes to generating random numbers. RAND and RANDBETWEEN.

Rand

The RAND function generates a random decimal number between 0 and 1.

1. Select cell A1.

2. Type =RAND() and press Enter. The RAND function takes no arguments.

3. To generate a list of random numbers, select cell A1, click on the lower right corner of cell A1 and drag it down.

Note that cell A1 has changed. That is because random numbers change every time a cell on the sheet is calculated.

4. If you don’t want this, simply copy the random numbers and paste them as values.

5. Select cell C1 and look at the formula bar. This cell holds a value now and not the RAND function.

RandBetween

The RANDBETWEEN function generates a random whole number between two boundaries.

1. Select cell A1.

2. Type RANDBETWEEN(50,75) and press Enter.

3. If you want to generate random decimal numbers between 50 and 75, modify the RAND function as follows:

RandArray

If you have Excel 365 or Excel 2021, you can use the magic RANDARRAY function.

1. By default, the RANDARRAY function generates random decimal numbers between 0 and 1. The array below consists of 5 rows and 2 columns.

Note: this dynamic array function, entered into cell A1, fills multiple cells. Wow! This behavior in Excel 365/2021 is called spilling.

2. The RANDARRAY function below generates an array of integers, 10 rows by 1 column, between 20 and 80.

Note: the Boolean TRUE (fifth argument) tells the RANDARRAY function to return an array of integers. Use FALSE to return an array of decimal numbers between 20 and 80.

We have got a sequence of numbers consisting of virtually independent elements that obey a certain counting distribution. As a rule, it’s a uniform distribution.

There are different ways to generate random numbers in Excel. Let’s view the best of them.



Random Number Function In Excel

1. The function RAND() returns a random real number of a uniform distribution. It will be less than 1, and greater than or equal to 0.
2. The function RANDBETWEEN returns a random integer number.

Let’s view some examples of their practical application.

Selection of random numbers using RAND

This function doesn’t require arguments.

For example, to generate a random real number in the range 1 to 10, use the following formula: =RAND()*(5-1)+1.

The returned random number is distributed uniformly on the interval [1,10].

Each time the sheet is calculated or the value is changed in any cell within the sheet, a new random number is returned. If you want to save the generated set of numbers, replace the formula with its value.

1. Click on the cell containing the random number.
2. Select the formula in the formula bar.
3. Press F9. Then Enter.

Let us check the uniformity of distribution of the random numbers from the first selection using a distribution bar chart.

1. We round the values that the function =RAND() returns. To do this, we use the function: =ROUND().And fill this formula with the big range: A2:A201.



2. Form the ranges to contain the values (bin). The first such range is 0-0.1. For the subsequent ones use the formula =B2+$B$2.



3. Determine the frequency of random numbers in range A2:A201. In cell C2 use the array formula:

   After input formula, select range C2:C11, press key F2 and press hot keys: CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER. We will execute the formula in the array Excel.



4. Form the ranges with the use of the concatenation character (=»[0,0-«&C2&»]»).



5. Build a distribution bar chart for the 200 values obtained with the use of the RAND() function.

The vertical values represent the frequency. The horizontal ones represent the ranges.



RANDBETWEEN function

The syntax of the RANDBETWEEN function is as follows: (lower limit; upper limit). The first argument must be less than the second. Otherwise, the function will return an error. It is assumed that the limits are integers. The formula discards the fractional part.

An example of the function’s application:

Random numbers with an accuracy of 0.1 and 0.01:

How To Create Random Number Generator In Excel

Let’s create a random number generator that generates values from a certain range. Use a formula of the following form:

The formula randomly selects any of the numbers in the range A1:A10.

Let’s create a random number generator in the range 0-100, with a step of 10.

It’s required to select 2 random text values from the list. Using the RAND() function, let’s match the text values in the range A1:A7 with random numbers.

Use the =INDEX function to select two random text values from the initial list.

To select one random value from the list, apply the following formula:

Generator Of Standard Distribution Random Numbers

The RAND and RANDBETWEEN functions return random numbers with a single distribution. There’s an equal probability for any value to fall into the lower or upper limit of the requested range. The variation of the target value turns out to be huge.

A standard distribution means most of the generated numbers are close to the target number. Let’s adjust the RANDBETWEEN formula and create an array of data with a standard distribution.

The prime cost of the X product is $100. The entire batch is subject to a standard distribution. The random variable also obeys a standard probability distribution.

Under such conditions, the average value of the range is $100. Let’s generate an array and build a chart that obeys a standard distribution with a standard deviation of $1.5.

Use the function:

Excel calculates the values in the range of probabilities. As the probability of manufacturing a product with a prime cost of $100 is maximal, the formula returns values that are close to 100 more often than other values.

Let’s proceed to building the chart. First of all, you need to create a table containing the categories. To do this, split the array into periods:

1. Determine the minimum and maximum values in the range using the =MIN(A2:102) and =MAX(A2:102) functions.
2. Indicate the value of each period or step. In our example, it’s equal to 1.
3. The number of categories is 10.



4. The lower limit of the table containing the categories is the nearest multiple number rounded down. Enter the formula =ROUNDDOWN(C2,0) into the E1 cell.



5. In the E2 cell and below, the formula will look as follows:

   That is, each subsequent value is increased by the specified step size.



6. Let’s calculate the number of variables in the given interval. Use the function:

   The formula will look as follows:

Based on the obtained data, we can build a chart with a normal distribution. The value axis represents the number of variables in the interval; the category axis represents the periods.

A chart with a normal distribution is built. As it should be, its shape resembles a bell.

There’s a much simpler way to do the same with the help of the «Data Analysis» package. Select «Random Number Generation».

Click here to learn how to set up the standard feature: «Data Analysis».

Fill in the generation parameters. Set the distribution as «Normal».

Click OK. It gives us a set of random numbers. Open the «Data Analysis» once again. Select «Histogram». Configure the parameters. Be sure to check the «Chart Output» box.

The obtained result is as follows:

Download random number generators in Excel

An Excel chart with a standard distribution has been built.

Organizing is good but sometimes a measure of randomness makes things better. That is true for life and Excel and we are here for the Excel side of matters. Excel is quite proficient with sorting lists; alphabetical order, chronological order, ascending and descending order but it’s yet to come up with straight-up randomization (nearly oxymoron-ish). Although we do have functions to help us along with that and that’s what we will be looking up in a bit.

You may want to randomize a list of names of students, employees, contestants, etc. just to prevent tipping the balance that comes from good old alphabetical sorting. You might want to rearrange dates or scramble a list of names or products. Or maybe you’re just randomly aiming to be an Excel nerd.

This tutorial will teach you how to randomize a list in Excel using functions alone and also with the Excel Sort & Filter feature. While we’re at it, you’ll also learn to use functions to make a random pick from the list.

For our example to be used throughout this guide, we will randomize the following list of names that are arranged in an alphabetical order:

Let’s start exploring the options and see what we can do to randomize lists.

Using RAND Function & Sort Feature to Randomize a List

We can’t randomly sort names but we can have an arrangement of random numbers. This is where we will utilize the RAND function. The RAND function returns a random number greater than 0 and less than 1. We will get a list of random numbers lined up with the names and then sort them using the Sort & Filter tool which will then have the names randomly scrambled. Let us show you the steps.

• Enter the RAND function against the first name in a new column. This is the formula you need to enter:

=RAND()

• This formula is simply the RAND function applied on its own with no arguments. The RAND function returns random values that are greater than 0 but less than 1.
• Select and drag the formula.

• Select any cell containing the number. Navigate to the Home tab > Editing group, select the Sort & Filter option. From the drop-down, select either of the top two options. We will go with the first one – Sort Smallest to Largest.

• This will rearrange the names to be randomly jumbled. The numbers will recalculate (which is a part of random functions) and not to worry, since you won’t be needing them much longer.

• Now that we have our random list ready, we can select the column with the RAND function and delete it.

Notes:

We mentioned in the steps that recalculation of the numbers is a part of random functions. By that, we mean the RAND is a volatile function and for all volatile functions, Excel triggers recalculation on every worksheet change. This means you can keep scrambling the data (names in this case) using the Sort & Filter tool until the randomness is good to go.

The data in any columns aligned with the RAND function column will also rearrange linearly. Even if there are columns on both sides of the RAND function column, they will all rearrange linearly together.

The upside of this method is that you keep the original list and randomize that instead of creating a new list from the original as a base.

Using RANDBETWEEN Function & Sort Feature to Randomize a List

Not very different from the method above – we’re only switching things up here, swapping the RAND function for the RANDBETWEEN function. The RANDBETWEEN function returns a random number between the specified range.

First, we will use the RANDBETWEEN function to return random numbers against our list of names. Then, we will use the Sort & Filter tool to rearrange those random numbers, which will also rearrange our list of names into a randomized list. We have the steps as follows:

• In the column next to the names, enter the following formula for the RANDBETWEEN function:

=RANDBETWEEN(1,10)

• In this formula, we use the RANDBETWEEN function to return a random number from 1 to 10.
• Select any cell from the range and navigate to the Home tab > Editing group > Sort & Filter button > Sort Smallest to Largest (any of the two options will work).

• This will rearrange the names to be randomly jumbled. The numbers will recalculate (RANDBETWEEN too is a volatile function) which is not an issue since you will be deleting the numbers soon.

• Now that we have our random list ready, we can select the column with the RANDBETWEEN function and delete it.

Using RANDARRAY, SORTBY, & ROWS Functions to Randomize a List

Using a base list, a randomized list can be created using the RANDARRAY, SORTBY, and ROWS Functions. The RANDARRAY function returns an array of random numbers. The SORTBY function sorts a range based on the values in a corresponding range. The ROWS function returns the number of rows in a reference.

For the formula we will use, the ROWS function will return the number of rows for RANDARRAY to randomize. Then the SORTBY function will sort the list according to the randomized rows.

Let’s see how all of this looks on a sheet. Enter the following formula in a separate column:

=SORTBY(B3:B12,RANDARRAY(ROWS(B3:B12)))

The ROW function returns the number of rows in B3:B12 which is 10. The RANDARRAY function takes that number and returns an array of 10 random numbers for all 10 rows. Then the SORTBY function sorts B3:B12 according to the randomized numbers which randomly adjusts B3:12 into a new list.

This is quite like the two methods above without having a separate column for random numbers.

There is no need to make the list of names into absolute references in the formula. There is also no need to drag the formula since the results of this formula spill to create the randomized list.

Select the new randomized column, and copy-paste the values on themselves or in a new column to avoid #REF errors when the original column is deleted. Delete rest of the data which is not needed anymore.

All three methods mentioned up until now are good if you do not want to duplicate values in your finished randomized list.

Recommended Reading: How to count non-blank cells from a list

Using INDEX and RANDBETWEEN Functions to Randomize a List

A randomized list can be created using the INDEX and RANDBETWEEN functions. Before you decide to proceed with this method, there will most probably be a repetition of values (repetitions of names in this case). If that is not an issue, let’s continue.

The INDEX function returns a value or its cell reference at the intersection of a particular row and column in a given range. The RANDBETWEEN function returns a random number between the specified range. In our formula, the INDEX function will work to return the value of the cell that RANDBETWEEN randomly specifies.

Let’s crack on with the sheets. Enter the following formula in a separate column:

=INDEX($B$3:$B$12,RANDBETWEEN(1,10),1)

You can use this formula for a single selection:

Or you can drag the formula for a randomized list:

The RANDBETWEEN function randomly returns a number from 1 to 10. In the first case, the random number generated is 4. This result is fed to the INDEX function in place of a row number. This means that the INDEX function is set to return the 4^th value from the range B3:B12 which in the first instance is “Elton Schon”.

“1” at the end of the formula is not really required here but is useful if the range-fed into the formula is for a table (multiple columns) instead of a list (single column). This number signifies the column number from which the result is to be picked.

The formula has been dragged to fill the rest of the column.

Select the new randomized column, and copy-paste the values on themselves or in a new column to stop the column values from recalculating. Delete the rest of the data not needed anymore.

Notes:

For randomizing a list this way, the values will repeat. That is because of the nature of the RANDBETWEEN function randomly returning a number from the specified range. This way, each result is mutually exclusive and so the numbers can (and do) repeat.

There are a few tweaks that you can make using the RANDBETWEEN function for a randomized list without duplicates, adding more functions into the works but that would make the process lengthier and unnecessarily complicated when there are other methods that get the work done in much simpler ways. If repetitions are not an issue, then this method is alright to go with and is well suited for a single random pick too.

Also, since RANDBETWEEN function is a volatile function so its value gets recalculated on every worksheet change. This means you can keep scrambling the data (names in this case) until the randomness is good to go.

Using CHOOSE and RANDBETWEEN Functions to Randomize a List

Similar to the above method we can also generate a randomized list using the CHOOSE and RANDBETWEEN functions. A heads-up on this method; the results (names in this case) are most likely to repeat.

If that’s alright, then keep reading.

The CHOOSE function chooses a value from a list of values based on an index number. The RANDBETWEEN function returns a random number between the specified range. In our formula, the CHOOSE function will choose a name from the list of names according to the number that RANDBETWEEN randomly specifies.

Time for working the sheets. Enter the following formula in a separate column:

=CHOOSE(RANDBETWEEN(1,10),$B$3,$B$4,$B$5,$B$6,$B$7,$B$8,$B$9,$B$10,$B$11,$B$12)

You can use this formula for a single selection:

Or you can drag the formula for a randomized list:

The RANDBETWEEN function randomly returns a number from 1 to 10. In the first instance, the random number generated 3. The CHOOSE function then selects the 3^rd value from the list of values fed into the function. The final result is “Bruce Grimm Dean”.

The formula has been dragged to fill the rest of the column. The list’s cell references are entered as absolute references in the formula so that the references don’t change as the formula is dragged.

Select the new randomized column, and copy-paste the values on themselves or in a new column to stop the column values from recalculating. Delete the rest of the data which is not needed anymore.

Notes:

Similar to the INDEX and RANDBETWEEN method, this method also can cause the values to repeat because of the nature of the RANDBETWEEN function. So make sure to only use it when having repetitions in the list is not an issue.

Here we come to a not-so-random end of this tutorial. We hope to have delved enough into the ways of randomizing a list in Excel to give you a good grasp of what works for your Excel situation. We will be back with more how-tos and all-about on everything in Excel. Feel free to come back for more problem-solving!

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