How to Randomize a List in Google Sheets

Generate random numbers, dates, passwords

Random Generator will help you get the type of random data you need in your Google sheet. Fill cells with numbers, Booleans, dates, passwords, etc. in three simple steps: select the cells, choose the type of data, and click Generate. Please see the detailed instructions below.

• How to use Random Generator
  • Start the add-on
  • Generate random integer numbers
  • Fill cells with random real numbers
  • Generate TRUE/FALSE, YES/NO booleans
  • Create random dates
  • Create and randomize custom lists
  • Generate random strings
• Related pages

How to use Random Generator

Start the add-on

Select the range you want to fill in your sheet and open the add-on from Extensions > Random Generator > Start:

Tip. You can also find Random Generator in the Power Tools add-on:

1. Run Power Tools and access the Randomize toolset:
   
2. Click the Random generator icon on the Power Tools sidebar:
   

Tip. You can change the range to be filled any time before clicking the Generate button — simply select other cells directly in your spreadsheet.

You will see the add-on sidebar with six possible types of values to generate: Integers, Real numbers, Dates, Custom lists, Booleans, or Strings.

How to generate random integer numbers

1. Expand the Integer group on the add-on sidebar:
   
2. Use the From and To fields to change the default range of integer numbers to be picked. You can enter any negative or positive number.

   Note. The From and To fields cannot be empty. If you delete a value, the default one or the one you entered previously will appear in the field.

3. Have only unique integers generated by ticking off the Unique values checkbox. Otherwise, the range will be filled with random integers that can be repeated.
4. Click on the Generate button and get random values in your selected range.

How to generate random real numbers

1. Click on the Real group to open it:
   
2. Use the From and To fields to change the default range of real numbers to be picked. You can enter any negative or positive number.

   Note. The From and To fields cannot be empty. Delete a value, and the default one or the one you previously entered will appear in the field.

3. To generate only unique real numbers, check the Unique values option. Or leave it unchecked to fill the range with random real numbers that can be repeated.
4. Click Generate and see the range filled with real numbers randomly.

Tip. You can regulate the number of decimal places in the displayed numbers by clicking the Increase decimal places and Decrease decimal places icons on the Google Sheets toolbar:

How to generate booleans at random

1. Go to the Boolean section on the add-on sidebar:
   
2. The Value drop-down list has the TRUE/FALSE option selected by default. Change the value to YES/NO if necessary.

   Tip. The add-on will remember the latest chosen option.

3. ClickGenerateto fill the selected cells with these values at random.

How to generate random dates

1. Expand the Date group on the add-on sidebar:
   
2. Change the dates by picking a day in the calendar that pops up when you click on the From and To fields.

   Tip. The add-on will remember the latest entered dates.

3. Choose to generate only Weekend or Workday dates by selecting the corresponding checkboxes.

   Tip. Tick off both options and the add-on will populate your range with both weekend and workday dates.

4. Select the Unique values checkbox and have only unique dates generated. Otherwise, the range will be filled with random dates that can be repeated.
5. Click Generate and get random dates within your selection.

How to generate values from custom lists

1. The Custom list group allows you to work with a permanent set of custom values:
   
2. The add-on comes with two default lists that let you generate Months and Weekdays at random. Pick the one depending on the values you want to get.

   Or you can create and use your own lists instead:

   • Create and select the range of values you want to add as your custom list.
   • Click on the New list button.
   • You will see a field with the range address. If it's necessary, you can alter it by picking another data range right in the sheet or by typing the correct one in this field.
   • Use the Enter a name field to describe the series of entries; otherwise, you'll see its first record as its name:
     
   • Click OK to save the list.

   Tip. You can remove any obsolete list by selecting it and clicking theDelete button.

3. If you want to have random custom list records without duplicates, tick theUnique valuescheckbox and all the generated entries will differ.
4. Press Generate to populate the cells with the items from your list randomly.

How to generate random strings

1. Use the Strings group to generate passwords:
   
2. There are several possible character sets that can be used: A-Z, a-z, punctuation marks, 0-9, space, hexadecimal, as well as your custom characters.
   • Select the checkboxes next to the necessary character sets, the add-on will remember your choice: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, punctuation marks, space, and hexadecimal.
   • If you choose Custom character set, enter the chars you need there. Otherwise, default characters will appear in this field.
   • To generate strings by length, select the String length radio button and enter the number of characters you want in a line.
   • To generate random values By mask, either select from default patterns in the drop-down list, for example, (????)-????-?????, or enter your own mask using the question mark for one random character and any repeating symbols.

     Note. Make sure to enter at least one character in this field.

3. Click Generate to fill the selected range with passwords or strings according to your settings.

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How to Randomize a List in Google Sheets

Source: https://www.ablebits.com/docs/google-sheets-generate-values/

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