Excel RAND Function
Summary
The Excel RAND function returns a random number between 0 and 1. For example, =RAND() will generate a number like 0.422245717. RAND recalculates when a worksheet is opened or changed.
Purpose
Get a random number between 0 and 1
Return value
A number between 1 and 0
Syntax
=RAND ()
Arguments
Usage notes
- RAND calculates a new value each time the worksheet is calculated. To stop random numbers from being updated, copy the cells that contain RAND to the clipboard, then use Paste Special > Values to convert to text.
- To get a random number that doesn't change when the worksheet is calculated, enter =RAND() in the formulas bar and then press F9 to convert the formula into its result.
- To generate a set of random numbers in multiple cells, select the cells, enter RAND() and press control + enter.
- To generate a random number between a and b, use this formula: RAND() * (b - a) + a
RAND formula examples
This formula relies on the helper table visible in the range B4:D10. Column B contains the six numbers we want as a final result. Column C contains the probability weight assigned to each number, entered as a...
At the core of this solution is the RAND function, which is used to generate a random number in a helper column (column C in the example).
To assign a full set of random values in one step, select the range C5:C16,...
The RAND function generates a decimal number between zero and 1. So, you might get output like this from RAND() in three cells:
0.54739314
0.919767722
0.633760119
Dates in Excel are defined as simple numbers, where...
Related videos
In this video, we look at how to simulate a random drawing to pick winners in a contest with Excel, using the RAND and RANK functions together.
In this video, we’ll look at how to perform a random sort with the SORTBY function, with help from the RANDARRAY function.
In this video, we'll look at a few ways to generate random values with the RANDBETWEEN function, including random dates, random prices, and random workdays.
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