Excel equivalent of F9

Hello

There is a RAND() function in Numbers.

The Help describes it by:

The RAND function generates a random number equal to or greater than 0 and less than 1.
RAND()
• No arguments (but you must include the parentheses).
Notes
Any time you change a value in the table, a new random number is generated.

As far as I know, there is no specific tool available to update cells (like the Recalculate menu item in AppleWorks). Numbers is always in Autocalc mode.

An easy way to mimic the F9 key is to install a checkbox somewhere in the table.
Every click in the box will force a re-calculation.

Yvan KOENIG (from FRANCE vendredi 11 janvier 2008 12:07:14)

Use:

A1 is a Checkbox
B1 is =IF(A1;RAND();RAND())

To change the number, check/uncheck A1.

In Dutch: ASELECT()
In French: ALÉAT()
In Spanish: ALEAT()
In German: ZUFALLSZAHL()

Wyodor wrote:
A1 is a Checkbox
B1 is =IF(A1;RAND();RAND())

To change the number, check/uncheck A1.

I don't think this works. While the random number is regenerated when the by toggling the checkbox, it is still also regenerated when anything else is changed.

Here are two possible approaches to solving this:

(1) Generate the random numbers with a formula using RAND(), copy them and paste them back as values. When "fresh" values are needed, repeat these steps.

(2) Create a formula for a random number which takes a seed value. Change the seed value when you want "fresh" random numbers. For ideas of how such a formula might be constructed, see [wikipedia|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random numbergeneration].

The OP mentions the random function.

It works the same as in Excel 2004 for Mac. Everytime you change something, the random number changes too.

The only difference is that Numbers hasn't the F9 key. So the checkbox serves the purpose.

And in the prefs of Excel you can set that calculations are automatically or manual. To re-calculate manually press Cmd-=. Numbers cannot do that.

Perhaps a feedback would change that.

Hello

You wrote:


+A1 is a Checkbox+
+B1 is =IF(A1;RAND();RAND())+

As I wrote in my first message, there is no need for a formula related to the cell containing the check box.
a single =RAND()

would be sufficient.
Clicking the checkbox will force a re-calculation exactly as pressing the F9 key in XL.

Yvan KOENIG (from FRANCE vendredi 11 janvier 2008 18:51:38)