Generate random number from probability

Hi! I just registered here. Hopefully you guys might be able to help me with a problem

I would like to generate a random number (0 or 1) where the probability of getting a 1 is determined by another cell with a probability.

For example if the probability value in the cell is 0.75 then the random number would be 1 75% of the time and 0 25% of the time.

My plan is to have a long column (1000+ rows) with probablities and then generate the 0 or 1 in the next column for each probability.

Is this possible to do with formulas or do I have to involve VBA/macros?

Thank you!

I would do it like this:

A1 = percent probability of returning 1
B1 = IF(RAND() < A1, 1, 0)

Then pull B down.
Note you will need to set it to a non-relative reference (that is, $A$1 instead of A1) if you want all the functions to refer to the same cell instead of the one next to it.

This will use the RAND function to pseudorandomly generate a number anywhere between 0 and 1, and then you compare that to the "probably threshold" to return your boolean.

Originally Posted by ben_hensel

I would do it like this:

A1 = percent probability of returning 1
B1 = IF(RAND() < A1, 1, 0)

Then pull B down.
Note you will need to set it to a non-relative reference (that is, $A$1 instead of A1) if you want all the functions to refer to the same cell instead of the one next to it.

This will use the RAND function to pseudorandomly generate a number anywhere between 0 and 1, and then you compare that to the "probably threshold" to return your boolean.

Thank you!
I feel kinda stupid now considering how easy it was

Ok done. thx