Can you randomize numbers in excel

Make sure you have converted all the RAND function results to values. You can use Conditional Formatting to highlight duplicates or use the Remove Duplicate option to get rid of it. To avoid this, you can create a Pivot Table referencing the cells with the random values functions and then reference the Pivot Table values.

Best Excel Shortcuts. Conditional Formatting. Creating a Pivot Table. Excel Tables. Randomly assign data to groups. The CHOOSE function takes a number as the first argument, and uses that number to select the "nth" item from the following arguments.

So, in this Random text values. Related videos. How to generate random values. How to convert formulas to values. Random sort in Excel: shuffle cells, rows and columns by Svetlana Cheusheva updated on July 3, How to randomize in Excel by using a RAND formula Shuffle cells, rows and columns with Ultimate Suite How to randomize a list in Excel with a formula Although there is no native function to perform random sort in Excel, there is a function to generate random numbers Excel RAND function and we are going to use it.

Assuming you have a list of names in column A, please follow these steps to randomize your list: Insert a new column next to the list of names you want to randomize. If your dataset consists of a single column, skip this step. The fastest way to do this is by double-clicking the fill handle: Sort the column filled with random numbers in ascending order descending sort would move the column headers at the bottom of the table, you definitely don't want this.

Some random number algorithms create more truly random data than others. Microsoft has said that the RAND function on early versions of Excel prior to didn't meet some standards of randomness, but this is likely only an issue for people generating huge amounts of random numbers, on the order of 1 million.

Newer versions have been independently analyzed and don't have this issue, and even the older versions should be fine for most users. If you're cautious about using a random number generator for a situation where the legal stakes may be high, such as a high-stakes drawing or data encryption, you may want to consult an expert about the best tool for the job.

If you want to use a different random number generator, you can always have it output a list of data that you can import as a spreadsheet or column in Microsoft Excel. Steven Melendez is an independent journalist with a background in technology and business.