Minitab can be used to generate random data. In this example, we use Minitab to create a random set of data that is normally distributed.

Minitab Procedure (v.16 & v.17)

1. Select Calc >> Random Data >> Normal...
2. In the box labeled Generate ... rows of data, type in the number of rows of data that you would like to generate.
3. In the box labeled Store in Column(s):, enter the column name(s) where you want Minitab to store the data.
4. In the boxes labeled Mean: and Standard deviation:, type in the mean and standard deviation of your desired normal distribution. The default is the standard normal distribution with mean = 0 and standard deviation = 1.
5. Select OK. The new data will appear in the worksheet window.

Example

First, generate a column of 200 random numbers from a standard normal distribution with a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1. Then, generate 20 more columns, each containing 200 random numbers from a standard normal distribution with a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1.

Minitab dialog boxes

First option - one column:

Second method - multiple columns:

Resulting Minitab Worksheet

Based on the first dialog box above, one column (C1) of (standard) normally distributed data appears in the worksheet:

...

Based on the second dialog box above, 20 columns (C2-C21) of (standard) normally distributed data appears in the worksheet: