Instead of manually entering in numbers, you can generate random numbers in Excel to automate the process.
Excel has two built-in functions, RAND and RANDBETWEEN, which populate cells with randomly generated numbers.
Generate Random Numbers Within a Range in Excel
The easiest way to generate random numbers within a range in Excel is by making use of the RANDBETWEEN function.
Using this function requires you to provide 2 arguments: a minimum number and a maximum number.
For example, if you want to generate random numbers between 100 and 500 you would enter the formula below.
1. Click on an Excel cell and enter in the following formula:
=RANDBETWEEN(100,500)
The number 100 represents the minimum possible value, and the number 500 represents the maximum possible value.
This function also allows you to generate random numbers that are negative by tweaking the formula to:
=RANDBETWEEN(-500,-100)
You can enter any number you want for the min and max, with the only limitations being that decimal values are not allowed, and the maximum number must be greater than the minimum number.
2. To populate other cells, click on the cell, click on the bottom right corner, and drag down to populate the other cells with random numbers.
Generate Random Numbers in Excel
If you are looking to generate random numbers with decimal values, then a better suited function would be the RAND function.
The RAND function in Excel will return a decimal number between 0 and 1.
1. Click on an Excel cell and type the following formula:
=RAND()
You will notice a random number between 0 and 1 appearing in the cell.
If you want to get a number that is greater than 1, you can multiply the result by any number.
For example, if you want random decimal numbers between 0 and 100, you would enter the formula below.
=RAND()*100
You will now get a random number between 0 and 100. You can multiply by any other number to get a random number between 0 and that number.
2. Now click on the cell, click on the bottom right corner, and drag down to populate the other cells with random numbers.