unable to copy random samples

**pupchix** · 03-11-2009, 04:11 PM

I have generated random samples and am trying to cut and paste to another column to order them. When I do that the numbers are not the same in the pasted column. I have tried this numerous times and I get different numbers each time. I am also unable to order these copied and pasted numbers! confused:

**JBeaucaire** · 03-11-2009, 04:16 PM

I presume you're copying cells with formulas in them since you're not providing that information.

Highlight the cells to copy, press CTRL-C to copy, then click on your target cell and go to EDIT > PASTE SPECIAL > VALUES > OK.

**pupchix** · 03-11-2009, 04:35 PM

I just tried that and the numbers are not the same. And yes, the cells do have formulas in them.

**JBeaucaire** · 03-11-2009, 04:41 PM

Very Odd. Perhaps turning off Automatic calculation would stop the numbers from changing long enough for you to copy them.

**pupchix** · 03-11-2009, 04:49 PM

I tried again, the same thing- different numbers. So I copied and pasted the different numbers and those duplicated correctly! I don't get it!? How would I turn off the Auto calculation?

**shg** · 03-11-2009, 05:02 PM

Assuming those formulas include a function like RAND or RANDBETWEEN, they recalculate every time Excel calculates anything.

They are, in the vernacular, volatile.

**pupchix** · 03-11-2009, 10:24 PM

Yes, they include RANDBETWEEN. How do I get them to stop recalculating? Please. I am using Excel 2008 at home and the same thing is happening. I have tried to simply type the values in another column and the original numbers change each time I move down a cell.