RANDBETWEEN()

Syntax. RANDBETWEEN(bottom,top)

Definition. This function returns a random number from a range. A new random number is returned every time the worksheet is calculated.

Arguments

• bottom (required) The smallest integer RANDBETWEEN() can return

• top (required) The largest integer RANDBETWEEN() can return

Background. Random values are necessary in engineering and natural sciences to simulate processes.

To generate a random date, the value has to be a number.

Tip: Use RANDBETWEEN() to generate a random number

If you want to use RANDBETWEEN() to generate a random number but don’t want the numbers to change every time the cell is calculated, you can enter =RANDBETWEEN(bottom,top) 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.

Example. See the practical example for the RAND() function.

See Also

RAND()

Sample Files

Use the RAND worksheet in the Chapter16.xls or Chapter16.xlsx sample file. The sample files are found in the Chapter16 folder. For more information about the sample files, see the section titled Using the Sample Files.