Random sampling using non-numerical data

[RedBeard]

I'm trying to do a simple random sample of a list of data in column A.
The data is unfortunately text and not numbers so I can't use the Analysis ToolPak sample function.

The number of samples changes from time to time, as does the amount of data in A.

I can't think of a good way to solve this, my Google-Fu has failed me so I turn to you all for some help

 

[Ombir]

Check this VBA Express : Excel - Function to return random sample, with or without replacement

 

[GJSBED]

Rough work around --Assign a number to everything in the list then use RANDBETWEEN in however many rows of sample you want, use a vlookup from the number to the text, then paste values for the sample - if you get duplicates intervene manually by picking a number that excel didn't.

 

[RedBeard]

Thank you both, that helps immensely.