Random Numbers in a Range

Excel's random number functions tend to execute slowly. Generating a significant list takes time. Also, as noted below, debugging formulas that change every time they are executed can be maddening. Even worse, converting uniformly distributed

When I had to generate thousands of random numbers for a large Monte Carlo simulation, I used the Rand Corporation's table of "A Million Random Digits with 100,000 Normal Deviates". It's available for download for free. From there, I merely chose a random enough starting point (my pseudo-seed) and just started pulling numbers.

When I wanted to run a different simulation, I picked another starting point (whose range of numbers did not overlap an earlier-used range) and started picking more numbers.

Best part, I was using random values which did not change or refresh unless I wanted them to, and execution speed was much faster.

Excel will not randbetween fractions or decimals as expected...
Take hi and lo fractions (decimals) times 100; do the ranbetween on those whole numbers; then divide the randbetween results by 100.
Ex.: Randbetween for decimals:
a) with decimals 0.23 and -0.56.
b) times 100 is 23 and -56.
c) Randbetween on 23 and -56 divided by 100 is
d) in decimals

Because I often need to document my random selection, as well as sort in ascending order, and the randbetween function returns new values every time a new operation is performed the copy and paste values functions are useful. If I need a population of 40, I will use this function to select 60 items. Then copy and paste values for all 60 selections, create a break between the 40 needed and the 20 alternates. The 40 items can then be sorted in ascending order, with the remaining alternates used as needed in the order selected. For documentation purposes, I describe this procedure since the formulas are no longer in the cells.