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[Guest]

I have a list of manufacturers and part numbers. I would like to choose 5
random part numbers for each manufacturer. Is there a way to do this in
excel?

 

[Frank Kabel]

Hi
one way:
- in a helper column enter
=RAND()
and copy this down for all rows
- now sort with this helper column
- use the first 5 entries

 

[Myrna Larson]

Hi, Frank: If he wants part numbers for just one manufacturer, he should sort
by manufacturer 1st and the helper column 2nd, no?

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

In addition to the RAND formula that Frank suggested, you'll need a
formula to count the records for each manufacturer.

Insert a column with the heading "Sample"
In the cell below the heading, enter a formula that refers to the
column that contains the manufacturer name. For example, if the
first manufacturer is in cell D2:
=IF(COUNTIF(D$12,D2)<=5,"X","")
Copy this formula down to the last row of data.

Sort the list by the RAND column
Then, select a cell in the table, and choose Data>Filter>AutoFilter
From the dropdown list in the Sample column, choose "X"

 

[Frank Kabel]

Hi Myrna
agree with you on that. Assumed he had only one manufacturer (which was
probably a wrong assumption )

 

[Myrna Larson]

Or, as Debra suggests, just use AutoFilter to show only the desired
manufacturer.