Tag: Excel Volatile Functions

Here’s a detailed explanation of how to stop random numbers from changing in Excel after using formulas like RAND() or RANDBETWEEN():

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🎲 Why Random Numbers Change in Excel

Functions like =RAND() and =RANDBETWEEN() are volatile — they recalculate every time the sheet changes, such as when you type in a new cell, open the file, or press Enter.

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✅ Methods to Stop Random Numbers from Changing

🔹 1. Copy and Paste as Values (Recommended Method)

Once you’ve generated your random numbers:

1. Select the cells with RAND() or RANDBETWEEN() formulas
2. Press Ctrl + C (Copy)
3. Right-click → Choose Paste Special → Values
   OR use shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + V, then press V → Enter

🎯 Result: The random numbers become fixed as normal values and won’t change anymore.

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🔹 2. Use RANDARRAY with Manual Calculation (Advanced)

If you need to generate random numbers once and prevent them from changing on their own:

1. Go to Formulas → Calculation Options → Manual
2. Use =RANDARRAY() or =RANDBETWEEN() to generate values
3. The values won’t change unless you press F9 (manual recalculation)

⚠️ Make sure to turn this back to Automatic later if needed.

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🔹 3. Use VBA to Generate One-Time Random Numbers

You can use a macro to insert random numbers as static values.

vbaCopyEditSub StaticRandomNumbers()
    Dim rng As Range
    Set rng = Selection
    Dim cell As Range
    For Each cell In rng
        cell.Value = WorksheetFunction.RandBetween(1, 100) 'Customize range
    Next cell
End Sub

Steps:

1. Press Alt + F11 → Insert → Module → Paste the code
2. Close editor → Select the range → Run macro (Alt + F8)

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🧠 Bonus Tip: Lock Random Numbers with IF + Helper Cell

Use a helper cell like B1 to control when to generate random numbers:

excelCopyEdit=IF(B1=1, RANDBETWEEN(1, 100), A1)

• When B1=1, new number is generated
• When B1=0, value stays unchanged

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