Excel Hints & Tips - Producing Example Data
Ever needed to produce a large set of random numbers on your spread sheet quickly? This blog will tell you how.
Hi, we are Happy
We are leading a movement to create happy, empowered and productive workplaces.
How can we help you and your people to find joy in at least 80% of your work?
In the example below we produce a large set of numbers between 1 and 100.
Step 1: Click into any cell and type =INT(RAND()*100)
The RAND (Random) function returns a value between 0 and 1. We then multiply this by 100 to get a value between 0 and 100, we also nests-in the INT function (Integer) in order to drop off the decimal places.
Step 2: Use AutoFill to extend the formula – this will produce as many random numbers as you desire
Step 3: Copy the generated numbers and then do a Paste Special à Values, in order to crystalize the values themselves – otherwise every time the spreadsheet recalculates RAND produces a new set of randomly generated numbers to replace the previous values.
In this example we multiplied RAND’s fractional number by 100, although clearly we could multiply by any amount we need, in order to produce values of any particular deviation.
Related Blogs
- Save Time in Excel with Autofill - Learn how to use the useful tool Autofill. Nicky explains how in the two minute video.
- How Microsoft Excel Can Increase Your Productivity - Billy talks about some of the reasons why Microsoft Excel is so indispensable to productive workplaces in this blog.
- How to Create a Pivot Table in Excel - Pivot tables are the perfect way to sort and analyse data in Excel. This two minute video takes you through the process of how to do so.
If you have any Excel questions or hints and tips you would like shared get in touch, use this link!
If you would like any further information on the Excel course we train, go to our IT courses and training page.
Remember – If you’ve been on a Happy Computers course you get 2 years free helpline access. Call the helpline on 020 7375 7373.
Why not sign up to our newsletter?
Sign up to our monthly newsletter, full of tips, tricks and news to help you to be happier and more productive at work.
Improve your productivity in Excel with happy
Happy has high-quality, learner-focused Excel training courses for all skill levels, designed to improve your confidence and productivity and our online learning programme is just as interactive as our classroom sessions.
Here are our most popular options:
- If you are new to Excel, take a look at our Introduction to Excel course.
- If you are comfortable with using Excel and creating formulas, take a look at our Excel for Intermediate Users course.
- Wanting to analyse Excel data more effectively? We have an intensive full-day Excel for Advanced Users course.
- For expert users, we have an Expert Excel Core Level 4 course, covering advanced formulas and functions such as XLOOKUP and dynamic array functions.
Our learners tell us that they save an average of 32 minutes a day with our Excel training courses. How much time could you save with us?
Why learn online with Happy?
- Interactive and engaging - just like our classroom sessions
- Bitesize or full-day sessions - fit around your schedule
- Learn from home - all you need is a quiet place to call from and an internet connection
- IT Helpline - 2 years of free support after your course
- No quibble money-back guarantee