Randomizing list of Names

**sam2539** · 08-02-2007, 12:26 AM

I have just about given up in my effort to be able to Randomize a list of names.
I have 3 columns of 20 names and I wish to be able to randomize each column. Could anyone help me, as to how I go about it.
Any help would really be appreciated.
Regards
sam2539

**davesexcel** · 08-02-2007, 01:02 AM

try these formulas

=INDEX($A:$A,RANDBETWEEN(1,COUNTA($A:$A)),1)
=INDEX($B:$B,RANDBETWEEN(1,COUNTA($B:$B)),1)
=INDEX($C:$C,RANDBETWEEN(1,COUNTA($C:$C)),1)

hit f9 to change selection

**sam2539** · 08-02-2007, 01:13 AM

If the first cell in Column 1 is b2 and has the 20 names down to b21, and the next column is c2 and so on to d2, then where would I put the suggested formula. Sorry for my ignorance.

**davesexcel** · 08-02-2007, 01:18 AM

Originally Posted by sam2539

If the first cell in Column 1 is b2 and has the 20 names down to b21, and the next column is c2 and so on to d2, then where would I put the suggested formula. Sorry for my ignorance.

Right now it uses the entire column,change the columns or range as necessary,ie =INDEX($A$1:$A$9,RANDBETWEEN(1,COUNTA($A$1:$A$9)),1)

**sam2539** · 08-02-2007, 01:34 AM

I am sorry but I do not understand what you have told me. I will understand if you give up on me, but if you could persevere I would appreciate it

**davesexcel** · 08-02-2007, 03:03 AM

Originally Posted by sam2539

I am sorry but I do not understand what you have told me. I will understand if you give up on me, but if you could persevere I would appreciate it

I have 3 columns of 20 names and I wish to be able to randomize each column. Could anyone help me, as to how I go about it.

The function randomly selects an item from one column, you should be able to adjust the formula to suit your own requirements such as
=INDEX($b$2:$b$21,RANDBETWEEN(1,COUNTA($b$2:$b$21)), 1)