View Full Version : Sample Records


SRAB
11-15-2007, 09:17 AM
I've read-up on getting random records, but I need a little help.

I have a table with 200,000 SSN records. Fields: SSN, Plan Number
There are about 100 distinct plans.
How can I select a sample (random) SSN for each plan?:confused:

RuralGuy
11-15-2007, 10:18 AM
This link may help: Create a query that returns Random records (http://www.mvps.org/access/queries/qry0011.htm)

SRAB
11-15-2007, 10:25 AM
This link may help: Create a query that returns Random records (http://www.mvps.org/access/queries/qry0011.htm)

I ran into this link when I was searching, I do not understand how it can get me one record for each plan, it seemed it would get me 100 random records from the 200,000...but I know SQL not VBA

RuralGuy
11-15-2007, 10:36 AM
You are of course correct. It will take a better understand of SQL than I have to answer your question.

SRAB
11-19-2007, 08:18 AM
Well the solution for this dawned on me this weekend, and it was so simple as to be embarrasing...:rolleyes: but I'll leave it here for others who are looking. min or max will result in only one record for each of the plans.

SELECT [Plan Number], Min([SSN]) AS MinOfSSN
FROM [TABLE_NAME]
GROUP BY [Plan Number];

RuralGuy
11-19-2007, 08:57 AM
Thanks for posting back with your success. That does not look particulary random but if it works for you then great!

SRAB
11-19-2007, 09:02 AM
Thanks for posting back with your success. That does not look particulary random but if it works for you then great!

Random being "any" record, it did the trick.