Excel challenges

3 minute read

Excel Challenge 39: Generate Unique Random Values

Deb Ashby

Deb Ashby

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Have you ever wanted to generate a unique list of random numbers? Then it's time to take Excel Challenge #39!

Everything you need to participate in the challenge can be found on this page. To take part:

  • First, watch the challenge video and read the instructions below the video.
  • Review the previously published video(s) and article(s) on which the challenge is based.
  • Download the Excel worksheet you will use to complete the challenge tasks.
  • Put yourself to the test!

Take the challenge!

Download the challenge file to get started.

Want to chat about your approach and process with other Excel-heads? Join our Slack channel to share your insights and questions with like-minded learners.


The challenge šŸ¤ŗ

Here’s the scenario to be solved from the download file:

We are the owners of the ‘Big Jump Skydiving Club’, and we have 23 jumpers on the schedule today. 

Excel challenge data set

ā˜‘ļøSTEP 1: Define the jump order.

We need to define the order in which our clients will jump and output their position number in column D.  

Things to Note:

  • The order should be completely random. 
  • No two jumpers should share the same jump position. 
  • There are two formulas that could be used to do this. Either is valid. 
  • Ensure that volatile functions are removed. 

Once we have the positions in column D, we need to sort the list to reflect the final jump order. 

 

ā˜‘ļøSTEP 2: Assign jumpers to a flight. 

Next, we need to assign the jumpers to a flight. 

GoSkills Excel challengeThings to Note:

  • There are 6 flights today. 
  • Each flight can carry 4 jumpers. 
  • If one of the flights is not full, ensure it says ‘Free Spot’ in the cell. 

How quickly can you complete this challenge? Fifteen minutes? Ten? Less?

If you need a bit of inspiration, maybe you can pick up some clues from the following video: 

If you’re already proficient with Excel, this should be quite easy. Maybe you can tell us a creative way to solve this problem in our Slack channel.

Have fun!

Take the challenge!

Download the challenge file to get started.


The solutionāœØ

We hope you enjoyed taking part in this challenge! Our expert's solution is revealed below, but maybe you used some other method. Join our community of learners and share it with us.


Stay tuned to the GoSkills Excel Resource hub for more Excel challenges, and check out our range of expert-led Excel courses for all skill levels to further sharpen your skills.

If you enjoyed this challenge, try the Basic and Advanced Excel course to help you learn more essential formulas, functions, and practical real-world Excel skills

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Join the Excel conversation on Slack

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Deb Ashby

Deb Ashby

Deborah is a Microsoft MVP and TAP Accredited Microsoft Instructor and Content Creator. She has had various careers in the IT industry since the mid 1990s. This includes various roles in IT training, including the starting of her own company where she focuses on creating video-led, Microsoft training courses for clients. She is an instructor at GoSkills with various Microsoft courses, including Excel for Business Analysts. In her spare time, she likes to swim, practice yoga, travel, and refine her photography skills. View her profile here.