Select a random value from a column of values

[Paul Gupta]

Hi, I have never programmed Excel before, but do use it a fair amount,
including use of built-in formulae. I would like to be able to select
a random value among a group of values - is this possible?

So for example, in a spreadsheet I have in column A a list of names
from cell 1 to cell 20. then I want to pick a name from random from
that list. How would I do?

Any input would be appreciated.

-- Paul
(e-mail address removed)

PS I do not have visual Studio/VB installed on my machine.

 

[Trevor]

someone else will give you a simpler formula, but, if not, the following
will work:

=INDIRECT("A"&ROUND(RAND()*(20-1)+1,0))

 

[Frank Kabel]

Hi
another way:
=INDEX(A1:A20,RANDBETWEEN(1,20))

 

[JE McGimpsey]

Or, if you don't want to rely on an Analysis Toolpak function:

=INDEX(A:A,RAND()*20+1)