Syntax. RAND()
Definition. This function returns a random number between 0 and 1 with up to 16 decimal places.
Arguments. None
Background. The RAND() function returns a random number greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1.
To generate a random real number between a and b, use:
=RAND() • (b-a)+a
A new random number is returned every time the worksheet is calculated.
Example. The RAND() function is often used to fill a table with test data or to simulate processes in engineering and natural sciences. The formula has to be entered in each cell.
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.
To copy multiple cells containing a formula for random numbers, click the right mouse button in the same range and select Paste Special/Values.
Examples. Some examples of this function are:
=RAND() • (100-1)+1 returns a random number between 1 and 100.
=RAND() • (250-150)+150 returns a random number between 150 and 250.