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.
Syntax
RAND()
The RAND function syntax has no arguments.
Remarks
-
To generate a random real number between a and b, use:
=RAND()*(b-a)+a
-
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. |
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