When copied down the column, this formula will generate a random group (A, B, or C) for each person in the list. Note: this is a random approach that will allow groups of difference sizes. If you need a formula approach to randomly assign people to groups of a fixed size, see this formula and this video overview. So, in this formula, RANDBETWEEN generates a number between 1 and 3, this number is used to choose a group from the 3 following values: “A”,“B”,“C”. You can use this same approach any time you need make random assignments. It’s especially useful when you you need to assign data to a limited number of text values.
Automatic recalculation
Be aware that RANDBETWEEN will re-calculate whenever there is any change to a workbook, or even when a workbook is opened. Once you have a set of random assignments, you may want to copy and paste the formulas as values to prevent further changes.
Dave Bruns
Hi - I’m Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.
