Generating Random Number Field

[dawnd3]

I need to create a new field that will contain a different random number each time the query is ran. (so each time they sort the list by this field it is in a random different order.) I know that there is a Randomize function and a Rnd fuction, but I am clueless on how to get them to work for my purposes. Can someone guide me? I haven't even created the field yets since I wasn't sure if I create a new blank field in the table or create it in the query design.

Thank you,

Dawn

 

[lameid]

thread181-1559602

Although you could probably just use the RND function directly in your query without a parameter.

 

[dawnd3]

Sorry Lameid, I am a little clueless sometimes. I need more hand holding here. Is this the function I use? ORDER BY RND(INT(NOW*ID)-NOW*ID)
Where do I put the function? In the query as a new field? Do I replace "ID" with the name of my ID field? Will this just randomly sort the records by the ID field or will it create a new field just for the purpose of randomly sorting?

THANKS!

Dawn

 

[lameid]

I think you will be fine to just put RND() as a new field in a query. Then on the sort by line, you will need to specify ascending (or descending for that matter... random either way).

 

[dawnd3]

I did as you suggested and it generated the same exact number for each record. (a number less than 1 with about 10 numbers after the point.)

 

[lameid]

Curious, I thought it would have yielded a differnet value on each call.

In any case you could use the other poster's solution and use..


RND(INT(NOW*ID)-NOW*ID)


Note ID is an autonumber field in that solution.

 

[dawnd3]

That one seems to work (although there are duplicates but for my purposes, that is just fine.) THANKS!!!
Dawn

 

[dawnd3]

Oh, and by the way, I just re-read your last post. I DID regenerate a new value on each call but it was the SAME number for all 50K plus records. I wanted a different number for each record so I could sort on it.

Thanks again,

Dawn