Explanation
The CHOOSE function provides the framework for this formula. Choose takes a single numeric value as its first argument (index_number), and uses this number to select and return one of the values provides as subsequent arguments, based on their numeric index.
In this case, we are using four values: Red, Blue, Green, and Pink, so we need to give CHOOSE a number between 1 and 4.
To generate this number, we use RANDBETWEEN, a function that returns a random integer between a bottom and top value. Since we are only working with 4 values in CHOOSE, we supply 1 for the bottom number and 4 for the top number.
When this formula is copied down, it will return one of the four colors.
Note that RANDBETWEEN will calculate a new value whenever the worksheet is changed. Once you have values in the range, you may want to replace the formulas with values to prevent further changes.
Related formulas
Random number between two numbers
Random date between two dates
Random value from list or table
Related functions
CHOOSE Function
The Excel CHOOSE function returns a value from a list using a given position or index. For example, =CHOOSE(2,"red","blue","green") returns "blue", since blue is the 2nd value listed after the index number. The values provided to CHOOSE can include references.
RANDBETWEEN Function
The Excel RANDBETWEEN function returns a random integer between two given numbers. RANDBETWEEN recalculates each time a worksheet is opened or changed.
