The first name you draw has a number of 1; the second name has a number of 2, and so on. And if you eventually picked all 100 names out of the hat, each person would have a number. In Excel, we can simulate this idea using the RAND function. The RAND function generates random numbers between 0 and 1. For example, if I enter RAND in a cell, we The SEQUENCE function in Excel is used to generate an array of sequential numbers such as 1, 2, 3, etc. It is a new dynamic array function introduced in Microsoft Excel 365. The result is a dynamic array that spills into the specified number of rows and columns automatically. The function has the following syntax: Easily Insert Random Data without duplicates in a range of cells: If you want to insert random and no duplicate integer numbers, dates, times or strings, even custom lists into a range of cells, the forumula maybe hard to remember. But Kutools for Excel's Inser Random Data can quickly handle these jobs as easily as possible. Next, select any of the random numbers or the one at the top of the list. Now, press ALT+H+S+S to sort them. You will find a random ID and associated information at the top of your dataset each time you use the shortcut. Finally, take a note of the ID and associated information to notify the winner. Let’s get a set of random numbers with this formula: =RAND()*11+1. The syntax becomes: =RAND()*(b-a)+a. //b – Maximum number to generate. //a – Minimum number to generate. 11 comes from deducting the minimum value from the maximum value. Since we want random numbers between 1 and 12, 12-1=11. Then the minimum value is added at the end of First, you need to create a list of names that you want to randomize. You can do this by typing the names into a column in Excel. Make sure each name is in a separate cell. Step 2: Add a Column for Random Numbers. Next, you need to add a column next to the column with the names. This column will be used to generate random numbers using the RAND Re: command Button to randomly pick from list of names. Here is one way to do it. Put your Names in column A of your spreadsheet. In cell B1 type =rand () and copy it down so that this formula is in every cell in column B for which there is a name in column A. Insert this code in your VBA editor. Re: weighted random name pick Assuming the 30 names are in range(A1:A30) then the formula: =INDEX(A1:A30,RANDBETWEEN(1,30),1) will pick one name at random. Tap the F9 key to repeat. I would place the names in a random order on the worksheet, but it is not necessary. '---Special Randoms Excel workbook Download from MediaFire For the lower value, we use the number 1, and for the upper value we use the ROWS function to get count the total rows in the table or list: = RANDBETWEEN (1, ROWS ( data)) RANDBETWEEN will return a random number between 1 and the count of rows in the data, and this result is fed into the INDEX function for the rows argument. I have gotten a random list to generate from a master list and exclude 2 items from that list (thing 1 & thing 2), however even after I run the macro several times it will still populate those excluded items occasionally. When I step into it the macro seems to run fine. Rtjk83Z.