How to Select Random Rows from a List in Google Sheets

Selecting random samples in Google Sheets can be frustrating – formulas are complex, prone to duplicates, and time-consuming to set up repeatedly. Whether you’re conducting survey research, quality control testing, content auditing, or preparing A/B tests, you need a reliable way to get random samples from your data.

This tutorial shows you two methods for selecting random rows from a list in Google Sheets: one using built-in functions (with important limitations) and another using the Random Sampler add-on for professional results. Our example uses a fictional list of employees as the starting population.

Our example list consists of 14 rows and 3 columns, starting in cell A5 and ending in cell C18.

Method 1: Using Built-In Functions (Limited Approach)

⚠️ Important Limitations: This method may produce duplicate results and becomes unwieldy for larger samples or datasets.

Let’s first select a random sample of 4 items from this Google Sheets list using a single formula. While possible, this approach has significant drawbacks that make it impractical for regular use.

This example is available in this Google Sheet, in case you’d like to make a copy to follow along.

Assuming your list is in A5:C18 (14 rows), use this formula in a cell:

=CHOOSEROWS(A5:C18,RANDBETWEEN(1,14),RANDBETWEEN(1,14),RANDBETWEEN(1,14),RANDBETWEEN(1,14))

How it works:

• CHOOSEROWS returns chosen rows from a range.
• RANDBETWEEN generates a random number between two values, in this case, 1 and 14.

This formula outputs four random items from A5:C18 as an array with a single formula. However, notice the critical issues:

Major Problems with This Approach

• Duplicates are likely – you might get the same row multiple times
• Scaling nightmare – for samples larger than 4-5 items, you’d need to manually add dozens of RANDBETWEEN functions
• Error-prone – long formulas are difficult to write and debug
• No flexibility – changing sample size requires rewriting the entire formula
• Performance issues – large datasets can slow down your spreadsheet

Note that the output is dynamic and updates with each sheet recalculation. To “freeze” the sample, copy and paste as values.

If you frequently sample in your spreadsheet, you likely need a faster and more flexible solution. Let’s take a look at a random sampling add-on next.

Method 2: Using The Random Sampler Add-On (Recommended)

For professional random sampling with no formulas and guaranteed results, use the Random Sampler add-on. Join thousands of Google Sheets users who have streamlined their sampling workflow and save 5-10 minutes per sampling task.

Install Random Sampler from the Google Workspace Marketplace (Extensions > Add-ons > Get add-ons).

Once installed, you can start the add-on, then highlight your list (e.g., A2:A101).

The add-on outputs the selected rows in a new sheet, requiring no formulas.

Key Advantages:

✅ No duplicates guaranteed – unlike formulas, the add-on ensures each row is selected only once

✅ Scale effortlessly – sample 100 items as easily as 4

✅ Save time – no formula writing or debugging needed

✅ Professional results – outputs clean samples in a new sheet

✅ Advanced features – supports simple sampling, stratified and systematic

Selecting the Sampler

The add-on outputs the selected rows in a new sheet, highlights in your existing sheet, or an indicator column requiring no formulas and ensuring professional-quality random sampling every time.

Quick Comparison: Formula vs Add-on

Feature	Built-in Formula	Random Sampler Add-on
Setup complexity	High (complex formulas)	Low (point-and-click)
Duplicate handling	⚠️ May produce duplicates	✅ Ensures unique samples
Reusability	⚠️ Must recreate formula	✅ Saved for quick reuse
Large datasets	⚠️ Performance issues	✅ Optimized for speed
Sample size flexibility	⚠️ Manual formula editing	✅ Simple number input
Professional use	⚠️ Not recommended	✅ Built for professionals

When You Need Random Sampling

Random sampling is essential for:

• Survey research – selecting representative respondents from customer lists
• Quality control testing – randomly checking products or processes
• Content auditing – reviewing random samples of content for quality
• A/B testing preparation – creating random test groups
• Data analysis – working with manageable subsets of large datasets
• Academic research – ensuring unbiased sample selection

Get Started Today

Ready to streamline your random sampling workflow?

Install Random Sampler from the Google Workspace Marketplace

Transform your Google Sheets sampling from a frustrating manual process to a professional, one-click solution. Your future self will thank you.

Conclusion

While built-in formulas can work for very occasional use, they’re plagued with duplicates, scaling issues, and complexity problems. The Random Sampler add-on is the clear choice for anyone who regularly needs random samples or wants professional results.

The add-on eliminates duplicate results, scales to any sample size, supports advanced sampling methods, and saves significant time on every sampling task. For the cost of a coffee, you can upgrade your entire sampling workflow.

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