Excel Help - Random Generation

[minendo]

I've got a spreadsheet with x number of pieces of equipment all labeled with a number 1 through x. What function can I use to randomly select 12 different values of x?

 

[dderolph]

The question really doesn't make sense. How could you have "12 different values of x"? x would represent one value, right? Do you really mean you want to randomly select 12 values BETWEEN 1 and x, x being the last/highest number in the inventory?

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: dderolph
The question really doesn't make sense. How could you have "12 different values of x"? x would represent one value, right? Do you really mean you want to randomly select 12 values BETWEEN 1 and x, x being the last/highest number in the inventory?

I want 12 different results of x to be returned. These 12 values will then coincide with equipment for testing.

 

[CPA]

Go to Tools -> Data Analysis. Choose Random Number Generation. Put in the parameters (distribution should be Uniform). It will return the cell numbers, though, not the actual value set to each piece of equipment.

If you need Data Analysis, choose Tools -> Add-ins -> Analysis Toolpak.

Hope that is what you are looking for.

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: CPA
Go to Tools -> Data Analysis. Choose Random Number Generation. Put in the parameters (distribution should be Uniform). It will return the cell numbers, though, not the actual value set to each piece of equipment.

If you need Data Analysis, choose Tools -> Add-ins -> Analysis Toolpak.

Hope that is what you are looking for.

Will I have to do this everytime I want 12 random cells? I am looking to have 12 different values randomly generated everytime I open the spreadsheet.

 

[minendo]

Anyone?

 

[minendo]

Figured it out. I just used =rand()*(b-a)+a, where b=total number of entries and a=lowest number of entries. Then all I had to do was format it to display no decimals.