RAND
Math & Trig
Returns a random number between 0 and 1 (recalculates on each change).
Translations
EnglishRAND
FrenchALEA
SpanishALEATORIO
GermanZUFALLSZAHL
ItalianCASUALE
PortugueseALEATÓRIO
DutchASELECT
PolishLOS
RussianСЛЧИС
TurkishRASTGELE
CzechNÁHČÍSLO
HungarianVÉL
SwedishSLUMP
DanishSLUMP
FinnishSATUNNAISLUKU
Syntax
RAND()Examples
=RAND()0.547...
Random decimal 0-1
=RAND()*100Random 0-100
Scale to desired range
=IF(RAND()>0.5,"Heads","Tails")Coin flip
Random selection
Tips & Best Practices
- •Recalculates every time sheet changes
- •Copy and Paste Values to freeze
- •Use RANDBETWEEN for integers
Common Mistakes
- •Forgetting that RAND recalculates every time the worksheet recalculates, so a value used for something like generating a random sample changes on every edit, which is often not what's wanted
- •Trying to pass arguments to RAND - it accepts none at all, and RANDBETWEEN is the function needed for a random number within a specific range
- •Not converting RAND's output to a static value (via copy and Paste Special > Values) before relying on it for something that must stay fixed, like a fixed random assignment or ranking
Related Functions
RANDBETWEENGenerates a random whole number within a specified range, rather than RAND's decimal between 0 and 1.RANDARRAYGenerates an entire spilled array of random numbers at once, a modern alternative to filling a range with individual RAND formulas.ROUNDOften paired with RAND to convert its decimal output into a rounded value within a usable range.Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my RAND value keep changing?
RAND recalculates every time anything on the worksheet changes, by design. To freeze a value, copy the cell and use Paste Special > Values to convert it to a static number.
Can RAND generate a number within a specific range, like 1 to 100?
Not directly - RAND only returns a decimal between 0 and 1. Use RANDBETWEEN(1,100) instead for a random integer in a specific range.
Does RAND take any arguments?
No, RAND() is always called with empty parentheses and no arguments - passing anything inside raises an error.
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