This article describes the formula syntax and usage of the RAND function in Microsoft Excel.
Description
RAND returns an evenly distributed random real number greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1. A new random real number is returned every time the worksheet is calculated.
Note: As of Excel 2010, Excel uses the Mersenne Twister algorithm (MT19937) to generate random numbers.
Syntax
RAND()
The RAND function syntax has no arguments.
Remarks
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To generate a random real number between a and b, use:
=RAND()*(b-a)+a
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If you want to use RAND to generate a random number but don't want the numbers to change every time the cell is calculated, you can enter =RAND() in the formula bar, and then press F9 to change the formula to a random number. The formula will calculate and leave you with just a value.
Example
Copy the example data in the following table, and paste it in cell A1 of a new Excel worksheet. For formulas to show results, select them, press F2, and then press Enter. You can adjust the column widths to see all the data, if needed.
Formula | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|
| =RAND() | A random number greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1 | varies |
| =RAND()*100 | A random number greater than or equal to 0 and less than 100 | varies |
| =INT(RAND()*100) | A random whole number greater than or equal to 0 and less than 100 | varies |
| Note: When a worksheet is recalculated by entering a formula or data in a different cell, or by manually recalculating (press F9), a new random number is generated for any formula that uses the RAND function. |
Need more help?
You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community, get support in the Answers community, or suggest a new feature or improvement on Excel User Voice.
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