Learn How to Generate Random Text Values in Excel

We can generate Random Text Values or Letters from a list by using the RANDBETWEEN and CHOOSE functions. This step by step tutorial will assist all levels of Excel users in generating random values between two numbers.

Figure 1: Generated Random Text Values

Setting up the Data

We will input the values as shown in figure 2 into Column A and Column B

Figure 2: Setting up the Data

Syntax

=CHOOSE(RANDBETWEEN(1,4),"Value1","Value2","Value3","Value4")

Explanation

• RANDBETWEEN function

We use the RANDBETWEEN function to generate an arbitrary number from a top and bottom value. This function uses the syntax,=RANDBETWEEN(bottom, top), where the bottom value is the lowest value in the range and top is the highest value in the range.

RANDBETWEEN function returns only numbers and not text. This is why we need the CHOOSE function.

• CHOOSE function

We will use the CHOOSE function to return a value from our list of subjects in the formula. This function returns a value based on a specified index. Its syntax is, =CHOOSE(index, val1, [val2], …[valn],).

The index is the position in the list where the value will be extracted from.

Val1, [val2], …[valn] is the list that is used.

Formula

=CHOOSE(RANDBETWEEN(1,4),"Chemistry","Physics","Geography","Mathematics")

Assigning Random Text Values

• We will click on Cell B4 and insert the formula

Figure 3: Inserting the formula

• We will press enter

Figure 4: First Random Text Value

• We will drag the formula from Cell B4 to B14

Figure 5: Generated Random Text Values

Note

The RANDBETWEEN function will generate a new value once we change our worksheet or exit it and return. This is the reason for the change in the value of Cell B4 in figure 4 and figure 5. 

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