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How to generate random value based on assigned probability in Excel?

If there is a table with some values and corresponding assigned percentages as below screenshot shown in a sheet. And now, I want to generate random values based on the list of values and their assigned probabilities.
doc random with probability 1

Generate random value with probability


arrow blue right bubble Generate random value with probability

In fact, to generate random values with the probability, you only need two formulas.

1. In adjacent cell of the table, type this formula =SUM($B$2:B2), and drag this formula down to the cells you need. See screenshot:
doc random with probability 2

2. Select a blank cell which you will place the random value at, type this formula =INDEX(A$2:A$8,COUNTIF(C$2:C$8,"<="&RAND())+1), press Enter key. And press F9 key to refresh the value as you need.
doc random with probability 3


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Comments (19)
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This comment was minimized by the moderator on the site
A formula ta errada... <= altera a P()... Tem que ser < apenas... 

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You're a life saver.
Thanks a million!
This comment was minimized by the moderator on the site
MÌNH KHÔNG HIỂU LẮM. TẠI SAO PHẢI LÀM NHƯ VẬY Ạ?
This comment was minimized by the moderator on the site
Ottimo lavoro! Questo è proprio quello che cercavo. Però non funziona con Calc di Open Office, che fra l'altro accetta solo i comandi in italiano.
E' possibile tradurla in modo che funzioni anche con calc? Io non ci sono riuscito.Grazie.

This comment was minimized by the moderator on the site
THE FORMULA WORKS ONLY IF ONE SUBSTITUTES RAND() WITH RANDBETWEEN(1;X) WHERE X IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF POSSIBLE OUTCOMES, WHICH WOULD SIMPLY BY AN INTEGER GREATER THAN 1.
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frankly I don't think this formula works.
I am trying to sample the results of an election so I have in a row the votes of different parties. no I want to go in & pick up randomly ten ballots (sort of like exit polling works), but I always get the first party in the rows.
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How can I utilize this random number generator but only have it generate odd or even numbers inside of the criteria? When I add the "ODD" or "EVEN" coding, it only produces the number "1" in the cell.
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Hi, Preston Ehrsam, the Insert Random Data tool cannot insert random even or odd numbers only.
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Sorry Just Noticed that I extend the cumulative prob. outside the desired limits
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Does this work if the data in the cells are horizontal instead of vertical? Mine is not. Thanks
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Hello, can anyone help me getting the correct formula? I would like to get random values but with certain limits. For example, randomly get "red, blue, green, orange or pink", but I have a specific quantity of items for each color so I have to set this condition within the formula.
Thanks!
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You can try the Insert Random Data to create the custom list as red, blue, green, orange and pink, then insert then to range randomly.
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