Check the first sentence in Excel help for RAND.

One can always generate a particular type of random variable from the
fact that the CDF follows a uniform distribution. While it may not be
the most efficient way to do so, it works.

So, to generate a normally distributed random variable use
NORMINV(RAND(),{normal distribution parameters}). Similarly, use
GAMMAINV, CHIINV, etc.

Use the same technique for discrete distributions, but now it might be
easier to also use a few cells. For example, to generate 1, 2, and 3
with probability 0.2, 0.7, and 0.1 respectively, put 0, 0.2, and 0.9
in 3 contiguous cells in a column. Put 1, 2, and 3 in the
corresponding rows in the column to the right. Then, use
=VLOOKUP(RAND(),{2-column-range-from-above}, 2, TRUE) to generate the
random value(s).



On Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:30:01 -0800, PSRumbagh
wrote:

What kind of distribution does the RAND() function generate, e.g.
uniform,
normal, discrete etc? Can it's distribution type be changed? I know
how to
use the "random number generation tool".

Regards,

Tushar Mehta
Microsoft MVP Excel 2000-2008
www.tushar-mehta.com
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