Related Topics:
	Simulation Worksheets

Create Random Data Window

The Create Random Data window is used to add randomly generated data to a data sheet. You can use this tool to quickly insert and analyze data in any folio that includes a data sheet (e.g., to see what plots and calculations are available when using the selected analysis settings).

To open the window, choose Sheet > Random Data > Create Random Data.

The Columns to Fill and Rows to Fill areas allow you to select which columns/rows to populate with random data. If you selected multiple cells in more than one row before opening the window, the selected cells will be specified in these areas automatically. You can select multiple cells in the data sheet by clicking one and then dragging the cursor in the direction of the additional cells you wish to select.

The Generated Data area allows you to choose between three different methods for generating the random data.

• The Random Data option allows you to specify the range of numerical values from which the tool will randomly select data points. The range is specified using a starting point and a variability value that describe how far the values can vary from the starting point.

• • To enter a starting point, select the Specify starting point check box and then enter a value in the field. If you clear the check box, the tool will use a randomly selected starting point for each column of data.

  • To enter a variability value, select the Specify percent variability check box and then enter the desired variability (as a decimal) in the field. If you clear the check box, the tool will use a randomly selected variability for each column of data.

For example, if you specified a starting point of 100 and a percent variability of 0.2, the data points would be randomly selected from a set of values that ranges from 80 to 120.

• The Random values in a range option also allows you to specify the range of numerical values from which the tool will randomly select data points, except the minimum and maximum values of the range are entered directly.

• • Enter the minimum value in the From field and the maximum value in the To field.

• The Random points from a set of values option allows you to manually define the set of values from which the randomly selected data points will be chosen. These can be quantitative or qualitative values, each separated by a comma (with or without a space).

• • Enter all the values in the Comma-separated values field. For example, if you are randomly entering values for a column that only accepts the values "F" and "S," you would enter F, S in this field.

When you select one of the first two options in the Generated Data area, the Decimal places field will be enabled, which allows you to specify the number of decimal places that will be used for each randomly generated data point.