Divide List of Numbers Into Two Equal Sums

**iLookup(HELP!, here)** · 10-08-2012, 10:54 AM

I have a list of various numbers that I would like to have divided into two lists whose sums are as equal as possible. Can Excel do this for me?

**Jakobshavn** · 10-08-2012, 11:05 AM

How many items in the list?

**iLookup(HELP!, here)** · 10-08-2012, 11:09 AM

The list has 43 different numbers, each in their own row.

**twiggywales** · 10-08-2012, 11:12 AM

i have done this maybe it can help you

but i think its a bit grubby, im guessing there is a better way to do this (probably with a macro)

Book1.xlsx

(press F9 to update)

**twiggywales** · 10-08-2012, 12:35 PM

ok im about to post up a better version (more acurate) but its very difficult to read and understand. i hope it helps a bit

**twiggywales** · 10-08-2012, 12:52 PM

ok the second page shows how its more acurate i hope this makes things clearer (the first sheet has it all mashed in to 1 mega formula lol) i doubt even i could re follow it myself haha)

have fun :P

Book1.xlsx

**shg** · 10-08-2012, 01:14 PM

One way, though not precise:

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Sort the input numbers descending.

In B2 and copy down, =SUM(B1, $A2 * (B1<C1))

In C2 and copy down, =SUM(C1, $A2 * (B1>=C1))

It can be done rigorously, but it's more complicated, and would be very time consuming for 43 numbers.