How can I create random teams of 2 using numbers on an iPad?

Here's a solution using Numbers '09. If the functions used are supported in Numbers for iOS, it should work there, too. If not, try reposting in the iWork For iOS community.

Column A of Players contains the names of the players entered in the tournament, in whatever order is convenient.

Column B, which may be hidden, contains the same formula in all cells (except the header cell):

=RAND()

The formula generates a random number between zero and one.

Column A of Teams contains team identifiers. These are text values. they play no part in determining the team selections.

Columns B and C contain similar formulas:

B2: =LOOKUP(SMALL(Players :: $B,2*(ROW()-1)-1),Players :: $B,Players :: $A)

C2: =LOOKUP(SMALL(Players :: $B,2*(ROW()-1) ),Players :: $B,Players :: $A)

These formulas select the players in order of the random numbers in column B of Players. The players corresponding to the smallest, third smallest, fifth smallest...numbers are listed in column B, those corresponding to the second smallest, fourth smallest, sixth smallest... are listed in column C.

The checkbox in Players::A1 is used as a trigger to spur recalculation of the tables and reordering of the teams. Clicking the checkbox toggles the value of that cell between TRUE and FALSE. Any change in a value in a Numbers table causes the table to be recalculated, which reselects the teams.

Regards,

Barry

just for future reference, I have not found a function that works in the desktop version that doesnt in the iOS version. I am sure there might be one, but all my formulas have worked so far (including this one)

nice little trick with the small and 2x(ROW()-1)-1 in one column and the same wiht the extra -1 in the next.

Jason