Function: RAND

The RAND function returns an evenly distributed random numbers greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1. In this guide, we’re going to show you how to use the RAND function and also go over some tips and error handling methods.

Supported versions

All Excel versions

Syntax

RAND()

Arguments

The RAND function doesn't require any arguments.

Examples

Simple scenario

=RAND()

formula shows a basic use case of the RAND function. The function doesn't require any arguments. A random value will be regenerated every time the workbook calculations run. Press F9 to re-run calculations and update the value.

Generate between limits

The RAND function returns a number between 0 and 1, but the return value can never be 1. If you want to modify its limits use the following formula:

=RAND()*(maximum-minimum)+minimum

The minimum and maximum values are the limits. As a result, a formula like =RAND()*(1.5-(-0.5))+(-0.5) returns a random number between -0.5 and 1.5.

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Tips

The RAND function is a volatile function that returns a new random real number after every workbook calculation. Press F9 to update the value.
Microsoft states Excel uses the Mersenne Twister algorithm (MT19937) to generate random numbers.
Use the RANDBETWEEN function to return a random whole number between specified limits.
To generate a set of random numbers, select the cells, enter the =RAND() formula, and press Ctrl + Enter (⌃ + Return in Mac).
Microsoft has announced that they're soon going to release the RANDARRAY function to Office 365 subscribers. This new dynamic array function allows creating an array of randomly generated numbers.