Sampling excel 2003

[GeorgeF211]

Hi all,


Odd question here (I've already tried the search to no avail) -

I need to take a sample from a large data set (~600 entries) so I can make a graph that's a bit more readable.

The data is year-on-year turnover (2011 vs 2012).

I'd like to take either a random sample or systematic (whichever is easiest) to cut it down by an order of magnitude.


I'm happy to use VBA if that's the best way to go. Please note that I'm using Excel 2003 (in case this makes any difference).


Any help would be appreciated

 

[Luke M]

Could create 2 helper columns. First column contains the

=RAND()

formula, and the 2nd is based on first with this formula:

=RANK(C2,C:C)

Then, just filter/extract the 2nd helper column for everything <= 600.


Might be a fancier way to generate the data, but I think this would be the fastest/easiest way. Also lets you easily generate a new set (just hit F9 to recalculate)

 

[GeorgeF211]

Cheers Luke, wouldn't have thought of that, it'll work perfectly.