RANDARRAY
Returns an array of random numbers between specified bounds. You can choose the dimensions of the array, the min/max values, and whether to return integers or decimals.
RANDARRAY([rows], [columns], [min], [max], [whole_number])Arguments
rowsOptional. Number of rows to return (default 1).(optional)columnsOptional. Number of columns to return (default 1).(optional)minOptional. Minimum value (default 0).(optional)maxOptional. Maximum value (default 1).(optional)whole_numberOptional. TRUE for integers, FALSE (default) for decimals.(optional)
=RANDARRAY(3,2)3 rows × 2 columns of decimals 0-1
=RANDARRAY(5,1,1,100,TRUE)5 random integers between 1 and 100
- •Available in Microsoft 365 / Excel 2021 only
- •Recalculates every time the worksheet recalculates (volatile)
- •Returns #VALUE! if max < min or if whole_number is TRUE without integer min/max
- •Forgetting that RANDARRAY is volatile and recalculates every time the worksheet recalculates, so a value used for something meant to stay fixed will keep changing unless converted to a static value
- •Setting whole_number to TRUE while min or max aren't whole numbers themselves, which can produce a #VALUE! error or unexpected rounding behavior
- •Not accounting for the fact that RANDARRAY is only available in Microsoft 365 / Excel 2021 and later, which will break the formula entirely in older Excel versions
RANDGenerates a single random decimal between 0 and 1, the simpler single-value building block that RANDARRAY extends into a full array with configurable bounds.RANDBETWEENGenerates a single random integer within a range, similar to what RANDARRAY does with whole_number set to TRUE, but for just one value instead of an array.SEQUENCEGenerates an array of sequential (non-random) numbers, useful for comparison when a predictable rather than random array is needed.Why does my RANDARRAY result keep changing?
RANDARRAY is volatile by design and recalculates every time anything on the worksheet changes - copy the result and use Paste Special > Values if you need the numbers to stay fixed.
Why does RANDARRAY return a #VALUE! error?
This commonly happens when whole_number is set to TRUE but min or max aren't whole numbers, or when max is less than min - double-check that your bounds are consistent with the whole_number setting.
Is RANDARRAY available in all versions of Excel?
No, it requires Microsoft 365 or Excel 2021 or later - older perpetual versions like Excel 2019 or 2016 don't support it.
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