Generate Random Numbers for Excel Spreadsheets

When I create example files, I frequently use the =RANDBETWEEN() Function to create numbers which I then use in formulas, etc. I then convert these formulas to values using Copy, Paste Special, Values.

Recently, I saw Bill Jelen, Mr. Excel demonstrate an absolutely incredible shortcut to paste special values.

Watch me demonstrate this incredible trick in this video.

I invite you to visit my website -
www.thecompanyrocks.com/excels to view all of my Excel video lessons.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• RANDBETWEEN
• Function
• Excel
• 2003
• Paste
• Special
• Values
• Mr.
• Bill
• Jelen
• Tricks
• Time-savers
• Analysis
• ToolPak
• Add-Ins

[MrFriskyWhiskey]

Also, when i tried the above '=randbetween' function it didn't work. I then followed the Tools bar and clicked on the Add-ins (low and behold) they weren't ticked. I ticked them but it asked me to install them. I clicked yes to install but the comp said it couldn't find them. Please help.

[DannyRocksExcels]

@MrFriskyWhiskey

The RANDBETWEEN Function is part of the "Analysis ToolPak" Add-in. If you are using Excel 2003 or older you must "install" or "activate it." Usually, this is a simple matter - you just go to the Tools Menu, select Add-ins, and then place a "tick" next to Analysis Toolpak (and any other Add-ins.) Be careful to select the correct Add in - not the Analysis Toolpak for VBA.

You may have to retrieve your original installation disk to complete this process.

Danny

[MrFriskyWhiskey]

How do i generate random dates in say the form 01/01/2000 to say 01/01/2005 (only in one long column)? I DON'T want them in any numeric order, just random please. Thanks in advance.

[DannyRocksExcels]

@MrFriskyWhiskey

You will use the =RANDBETWEEN() Function - may need to be Activated as an Add-in. Remember that Excel "stores" Dates as Serial Numbers, so change the format of your two dates to NUMBER - no decimal places. In Randbetween() use 36535 as the low number - this is the serial # for 01/10/2000 and 38362 as the High #. Do not use "thousand separators" within these numbers - but you separate the two argumants with a Comma. These are "volitile" results. Paste Sprecial Values.

Danny

[DannyRocksExcels]

@MrFriskyWhiskey

You will use the =RANDBETWEEN() Function - may need to be Activated as an Add-in. Remember that Excel "stores" Dates as Serial Numbers, so change the format of your two dates to NUMBER - no decimal places. In Randbetween() use 36535 as the low number - this is the serial # for 01/10/2000 and 38362 as the High #. Do not use "thousand separators" within these numbers - but you separate the two argumants with a Comma. These are "volitile" results. Paste Sprecial Values.

Danny

[37no37]

given 24 numbers, (97,101,139,41,37,31,29,89,23,­19,8,13,131,19,73,97,19,139,79­,67,61,17,113,127)taken 5 at a time, generate the unique combinations add up to 200. so, num combination to test 42504, optimal results 27 groups of 5 numbers : example (8-17-37-41-97)-(8-13-37-41-10­1)

etc. this program is in java. How is possible to do this in EXCEL 2003 .

[adgurl01]

How do I create a formula that randomly selects numbers for a list I created? I have a list of part numbers that are 6-digits with a dash after the second digit (00-0000).

[MrFriskyWhiskey]

Error 1706? Arrrggghhh. Computer says NO! Literally.