Setting up a random list from long list of names ?

[Guest]

I need to be able to choose 20 names at random from an existing database of
over 1000 names

 

[R.VENKATARAMAN]

one way is put an index 1 to 1000 in the previous column to the names
column . and then in some other column choose 20 random numbers between 1
and 1000 and choose the name correponding to these random numbers by using
vlookup function.

 

[Bernd Plumhoff]

Get my function UniqRandInt() from www.sulprobil.com,
select 20 cells and enter

=UniqRandInt(1000)

with CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER (array formula) to get 20 different
numbers or

=INDEX($A$1:$A$1000,UniqRandInt(1000))

as an array formula to get 20 different random names if
these are in cells A1:A1000, for example.

HTH,
Bernd

 

[Max]

One way ..

Assuming the list of names is in A1:A1000

Put in say, E1: =RAND()
Copy down to E1000

Put in B1:

=INDEX(A:A,MATCH(SMALL(E:E,ROWS($A$1:A1)),E:E,0))

Copy down to B20*
(since you want 20 names at random)

B1:B20 will return a non-repeating randomized
selection of 20 names from amongst the list in col A

Press/tap F9 to recalc / re-generate a fresh selection

Just freeze the results elsewhere
with a copy > paste special > values > ok

*Copy down further as desired if you need more than 20 names, or all the way
to B1000 to get a random mix of all 1000 names in col A

 

[JE McGimpsey]

Take a look at

http://www.mcgimpsey.com/excel/randomint.html

You can use the RandInt function found there. Assume your names were in
column A. Select, say, B1:B20 and array-enter (CTRL-SHIFT-ENTER or
CMD-RETURN):

=INDEX(A:A,RandInt(1,COUNTA(A:A)))