How to create a range of numbers in Excel

You can watch a video tutorial here.

To create a range of numbers in Excel, some different tools and functions can be used. The range can either be sequential or random. An example of a sequential range is when you use a list of serial numbers to number rows in a table. An example of a random range is when you need to generate a list of random numbers to illustrate an example. Here we will look at both options.

1. Fill handle: this uses the fill tool to create a sequential range
2. RANDBETWEEN() function: this returns a random whole number between the start and end specified
   1. Syntax: RANDBETWEEN(start,end)
      1. start: the start of the range
      2. end: the end of the range

Note: These same methods can be used to generate ranges across rows.

Option 1 – Use the fill handle

Step 1 – Type the numbers

• In the first two rows of the column where the series is to be filled, type the first two numbers of the range i.e. 1,2

Step 2 – Use the fill handle

• Select the rows and use the fill handle at the lower right corner of the second cell to drag the box down
• The sequence of numbers being generated will be displayed as you drag the handle down
• Release the handle when you reach the last number 

Step 3 – Check the result

• A range of sequential numbers is generated

Option 2 – Use the RANDBETWEEN() function

Step 1 – Type the formula

• Select the first cell of the column where the range is to start 
• Type the formula:

=RANDBETWEEN(1,20)

• Press Enter

Step 2 – Copy the formula

• Using the fill handle from the first cell, drag the formula to the remaining cells

OR

1. Select the cell with the formula and press Ctrl+C or choose Copy from the context menu (right-click)
2. Select the rest of the cells in the column and press Ctrl+V or choose Paste from the context menu (right-click)

Step 3 – Check the result

• A range of random numbers is generated
• The numbers will change each time a calculation is done on the sheet