Excel allows a user to get a random decimal number between 0 and 1 by using the RAND function. We will also see how to make the function to return a number in any range. This step by step tutorial will assist all levels of Excel users in getting a random number.
Figure 1. The final result of the RAND Function
Syntax of the RAND Function
The generic formula is:
=RAND()
The function has no parameters.
Get a Random Decimal Number between 0 and 1
We want to get a random decimal number between 0 and 1
The formula looks like:
=RAND()
To apply the RAND function, we need to follow these steps:
- Select cell B3 and click on it
- Insert the formula:
=RAND() - Press enter
Figure 2. Get a random decimal number between 0 and 1
Every time we press enter in formula cell, we will get a new decimal number in B3.
Get a Random Number between Two Numbers
We can modify the RAND function to make it return a random number between any two numbers. In our example, we want to get a random number between 1 and 100.
The formula looks like:
=RAND() * (100 - 1) + 1
We could put any two numbers in the formula, the generic formula looks like:
=RAND() * (max - min) + min
To apply the formula, we need to follow these steps:
- Select cell B3 and click on it
- Insert the formula:
=RAND() * (100 - 1) + 1 - Press enter
Figure 3. Get a random number between 1 and 100
Every time we press enter in formula cell, we will get a new decimal number between 1 and 100 in B3.
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