Random Records (2000)

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How can I select 20 random records from 100 existing records. I tried to create a calculated field that uses the rnd() function to generate a random number. However, it repeats the same number for each record. Thank you, Andy.

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Try this link to Dev Ashish’s Access Web site
http://www.mvps.org/access/queries/qry0011.htm
HTH

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Did you get your question answered? The problem with Rnd() is that you need to pass it a seed value that changes. An autonumber usually works admirably for this purpose.

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I didn’t really understand the answer. I initially created a query which includes a calculated field. I used rnd() and tried to supply a seed using the Now() function. However, it continued to create the same number each time. E.g. RandNumber:Int(Rnd(Now())*20+1). I also tried a Make Table query using a Random AutoNumber but this doesn’t work either. Can anyone suggest why either of these doesn’t work?

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You need an *existing* value that differs between records. So if you had an autonumber field called KeyID in the underlying table, then Rnd([KeyID]) should give you a unique pseudo-random number for each record in the query. The Now() function is going to return the same value to all of the records because they’re run at the same time.

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Hey, that’s cool!! Cheers Charlotte. (Sorry about the delay in responding).

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