Hi,

If your non-numeric data start at A2 (and extend down to say A101), create a
range of random numbers in B2:B101 (for this, in B2 enter =RAND() and
autofill the formula down to B101). In C2 enter the formula,

=INDIRECT("A"&MATCH(LARGE($B$2:$B$101,ROW(A1)),$B$ 2:$B$101,0)+1)

Modify the range "$B$2:$B$101" to suit to your data; however don't change
the "ROW(A1)" in the formula.

The formula would return in C2 a random sample from column A. Drag the
formula in C2 to as many random samples as you want (e.g., if you want 10
samples, autofill the formula down to C11).

If your data start not at row 2 but in some other row, you have to modify
the formula appropriately. The "1" at the very end of the formula should be
changed to one less than the starting row number (e.g., if your data start at
A6, the number should be changed as "5").

Regards,
B. R. Ramachandran


"Terri G" wrote:

Is it possible to do a random sample of non-numeric data in Excel? If so,
what do I do?