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Dummy Data for Excel: What It Is, Why You Need It, and How to Get It



How to Download Data Dummy Excel




Dummy data is mock data generated at random as a substitute for live data in testing environments. It is used as a placeholder for live data, which testers only introduce once its determined that the trial program does not have any unintended, negative impact on the underlying data. Dummy data can help you test your formulas, functions, charts, pivot tables, and other features in Excel without risking your real data. It can also help you simulate different scenarios and outcomes based on various inputs and assumptions.


In this article, we will show you how to create dummy data in Excel using different methods. You will learn how to generate random numbers, currency values, dates, and items using simple formulas. You will also learn how to format the cells, copy the formulas, and use VLOOKUP function to create a dummy data table. At the end of this article, you will be able to download a data dummy excel file that contains all the examples and formulas that we have used.




download data dummy excel



Method 1: Using RANDBETWEEN function




One of the easiest ways to create dummy data in Excel is to use the RANDBETWEEN function. This function returns a random integer between two specified values. For example, =RANDBETWEEN(1,10) will return a random number between 1 and 10.


You can use this function to generate random numbers and currency values for your dummy data. Here are the steps:


  • Select the cells where you want to add your random numbers or currency values.



  • Type the formula =RANDBETWEEN(bottom,top) where bottom is the smallest integer and top is the largest integer that you want to generate. For example, =RANDBETWEEN(1,1000) will generate a random number between 1 and 1000.



  • Press CTRL+Enter to apply the formula to all the selected cells.



  • If you want to generate currency values, you can divide the result by 100 and format the cells as currency. For example, =RANDBETWEEN(1,1000)/100 will generate a random currency value between $0.01 and $10.00.



Here is an example of how to use RANDBETWEEN function to create dummy data for sales amount and commission rate:


Sales AmountCommission Rate


=RANDBETWEEN(1000,5000)/100=RANDBETWEEN(5,15)/100


$28.869%


$41.6512%


$17.767%


$49.6715%


$35.9210%


Method 2: Using DATE function




Another way to create dummy data in Excel is to use the DATE function. This function returns a serial number that represents a specific date. For example, =DATE(2020,1,1) will return the serial number 43831, which corresponds to January 1, 2020 in Excel's date system.


You can use this function to generate random dates within a range by combining it with the RANDBETWEEN function. Here are the steps:


  • Select the cells where you want to add your random dates.



  • Type the formula =DATE(year,month,day) where year, month, and day are the values that you want to generate. You can use RANDBETWEEN function to generate random values for each argument. For example, =DATE(RANDBETWEEN(2019,2021),RANDBETWEEN(1,12),RANDBETWEEN(1,28)) will generate a random date between January 1, 2019 and December 28, 2021.



  • Press CTRL+Enter to apply the formula to all the selected cells.



  • Format the cells as date using the Format Cells dialog box or the Number group on the Home tab.



Here is an example of how to use DATE function to create dummy data for order date and delivery date:


Order DateDelivery Date


=DATE(RANDBETWEEN(2019,2021),RANDBETWEEN(1,12),RANDBETWEEN(1,28))=A2+RANDBETWEEN(3,10)


3/15/20203/18/2020


11/27/201912/4/2019


8/12/20218/20/2021


5/6/20205/13/2020


10/4/201910/11/2019


Method 3: Using VLOOKUP function




A third way to create dummy data in Excel is to use the VLOOKUP function. This function looks up a value in a table and returns a corresponding value from another column. For example, =VLOOKUP(A2,B2:C5,2,FALSE) will look up the value in A2 in the first column of the table B2:C5 and return the value from the second column of the same row.


You can use this function to create a list of items and assign random values to them. Here are the steps:


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  • Create a list of items that you want to use for your dummy data in a separate sheet or range. For example, you can create a list of products, customers, regions, categories, etc.



  • Add a column next to your list and fill it with random values using RANDBETWEEN or DATE function. For example, you can add a column for prices, quantities, ratings, etc.



  • Select the cells where you want to add your dummy data using VLOOKUP.



  • Type the formula =VLOOKUP(lookup_value,table_array,col_index_num,[range_lookup]) where lookup_value is the value that you want to look up in your list, table_array is the range that contains your list and random values, col_index_num is the column number that contains the value that you want to return, and [range_lookup] is FALSE to indicate that you want an exact match. For example, =VLOOKUP(RANDBETWEEN(1,5),Sheet2!A2:B6,2,FALSE) will look up a random number between 1 and 5 in the first column of Sheet2!A2:B6 and return the value from the second column of the same row.



  • Press CTRL+Enter to apply the formula to all the selected cells.



Here is an example of how to use VLOOKUP function to create dummy data for product name and price:



Product NamePrice


=VLOOKUP(RANDBETWEEN(1,5),Sheet2!A2:B6,2,FALSE)=VLOOKUP(A2,C2:D6,2,FALSE)


Laptop$799.00


Tablet$299.00


Smartphone$499.00Headphones$99.00


Mouse$19.00


Conclusion




Creating dummy data in Excel can be very useful for testing your formulas, functions, charts, pivot tables, and other features without risking your real data. It can also help you simulate different scenarios and outcomes based on various inputs and assumptions. In this article, we have shown you how to create dummy data in Excel using different methods. You have learned how to generate random numbers, currency values, dates, and items using simple formulas. You have also learned how to format the cells, copy the formulas, and use VLOOKUP function to create a dummy data table.


If you want to download a data dummy excel file that contains all the examples and formulas that we have used in this article, you can click on the link below. This file will help you practice and learn more about creating dummy data in Excel.


FAQs




What are some other ways to create dummy data in Excel?




Some other ways to create dummy data in Excel are:


  • Using RAND function to generate random decimal numbers between 0 and 1.



  • Using RANDARRAY function to generate an array of random numbers or dates.



  • Using CHOOSE function to select a random value from a list of values.



  • Using TEXT function to generate random text strings or formats.



  • Using Data Analysis Toolpak or Solver add-ins to generate random data based on statistical distributions or constraints.



How can I make sure that my dummy data is realistic and valid?




To make sure that your dummy data is realistic and valid, you can:


  • Use realistic ranges and values for your random numbers, currency values, dates, and items.



  • Use appropriate formats and labels for your cells and tables.



  • Use logical formulas and functions to create relationships and calculations among your dummy data.



  • Use data validation and conditional formatting to check and highlight any errors or inconsistencies in your dummy data.



  • Use charts and pivot tables to visualize and summarize your dummy data.



How can I protect my real data from being overwritten by dummy data?




To protect your real data from being overwritten by dummy data, you can:


  • Create a backup copy of your real data before adding any dummy data.



  • Use a separate sheet or workbook for your dummy data.



  • Use protection features such as password, read-only, or hidden to lock your real data sheet or workbook.



  • Use clear labels and comments to distinguish your real data from your dummy data.



How can I refresh my dummy data to get new values?




To refresh your dummy data to get new values, you can:


  • Press F9 key or click on Calculate Now button on the Formulas tab to recalculate all the formulas in your workbook.



  • Select the cells that contain your dummy data and press CTRL+Alt+F9 keys or click on Calculate Sheet button on the Formulas tab to recalculate only the formulas in the current sheet.



  • Select the cells that contain your dummy data and press CTRL+Shift+Alt+F9 keys or click on Calculate Now button while holding down the Shift key to recalculate all the formulas in all open workbooks.



How can I use dummy data for regression analysis in Excel?




To use dummy data for regression analysis in Excel, you can:


  • Create a scatter plot of your dummy data using the Insert Chart feature on the Insert tab.



  • Add a trendline to your scatter plot by right-clicking on any data point and selecting Add Trendline from the menu.



  • Select the type of trendline that best fits your dummy data, such as linear, exponential, logarithmic, etc.



  • Select the Display Equation on Chart and Display R-squared Value on Chart options to show the regression equation and the coefficient of determination on your chart.



  • Analyze the regression equation and the R-squared value to evaluate how well your dummy data fits the trendline and how much variation in your dependent variable is explained by your independent variable.



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