Formula to generate unique random numbers?!?

**aims** · 06-29-2009, 06:26 AM

Hi,

Can someone please help as I don't have a clue what I'm doing!?!?

I need to be able to generate unique and random numbers in a column
of my spreadsheet.

The spreadsheet has just over 10,000 records - is there a really simple formula that will do this?

Thanks!!

**zbor** · 06-29-2009, 06:35 AM

If your unique random number depends on previous numbers then it's not random anymore.

if RAND() is not enough for you you can do RAND()*RAND()*RAND() or something like that..

**shg** · 06-29-2009, 04:10 PM

You just want a random sequence of non-repeating numbers 1 to 10000?

**Paul** · 06-29-2009, 06:02 PM

Put the numbers 1 through 10,000 in A1:A10000 (use fill series to make it quicker).
In B1 type the formula: =RAND( )
Fill that down to B10000 (double-click the lower right corner of B1 to auto-fill down)
Select columns A:B and sort by column B.

There's your random ordered list from 1 to 10000.

**jimii** · 04-07-2013, 03:14 PM

Paul - thanks for the solution you provided. Its four years since you posted your answer, but I stumbled across it today seeking a solution to my random unique number needs, and its done just what I needed. thks