How do I do a random sort?

Question

I create a draw each week of foursomes for golf. Each week, any number of people sign up. I want to randomly sort the list so that each week, participants are playing with different players in their foursome.

I have tried generating a random number between 1 & the number of people who signed up, then copying the formula in subsequent cells in the column, but I end up with several instances of the same number

Have also tried a RANDARRAY, but keep getting a #NAME? error.

Am using Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 on Windows 10

Answer 1

Hi,

I'm Sneha and I'd be happy to help you out with your question. Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

To achieve it using Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 on Windows 10, please try following steps :-

Assuming your list of participants is in column A, starting from cell A1, enter the names of the participants in separate cells.

In an adjacent column, such as column B, enter the formula "=RAND()" in the first cell (B1) next to the first participant's name.

Copy the formula from cell B1 and paste it down to the last cell corresponding to the last participant in column A. This will generate a random number for each participant.

Now, select both columns A and B, including the headers.

Proceed to the "Data" tab in the Excel ribbon and locate the "Sort" button.

Click on the "Sort" button, and a dialog box labeled "Sort" will appear.

In the "Sort" dialog box, ensure that the "Sort by" drop-down menu is set to column B (or the column where you entered the random numbers).

Choose either "Smallest to Largest" or "Largest to Smallest" depending on your preference.

Finally, click the "OK" button to apply the sort.

If you have any other questions or need assistance with anything, please don't hesitate to let me know. It will be my pleasure to Assist you.

Best Regards, Sneha

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Answer 2

Many thanks. Works great & simple enough for me to follow.