RAND function in Excel generates a random real number between 0 and 1. With the Help of Excel RAND Function we can also generate a random real number between any two values say a and b using the formula
RAND( ) * (b – a) + a
Where a and b are the values between which your random number will be
Syntax of RAND Function in Excel
1) RAND()
2) RAND( ) * (b – a) + a
Syntax 1) for generating random number between 0 and 1
Syntax 2) for generating random number between a and b
Example of RAND Function in Excel
Formula
- Row number 2 generates random number between 0 and 1
- Row number 3 generates random number between 0 and 10
- Row number 4 generates random number between 0 and 100
- Row number 5 generates random number between 2 and 20
So the result will be
Result
NOTE: Random number changes every time when you save or refresh
Example: Generate 10 Random Number between 0 and 1
Now as a part of exercise lets generate 10 random number between 0 and 1
Step 1 : Select cell A2 and type =RAND() and press Enter
Step 2 : To generate a list of random numbers click and drag it till cell A11
Step 3: Random number changes every time when you save or refresh. So select the generated random number, copy it and paste values as shown below so that it will not change when you refresh or save.
Example: Generate 10 Random Number between 35 and 135 with Decimals
To generate random number with decimals use the formula in Cell A2
=RAND( ) * (b – a) + a .
Drag it till A11 , the output will be like
Example: Generate 10 Random Number between 35 and 135 without Decimals
To generate random number with decimals use the formula in the cell A2
=RANDBETWEEN(a,b)
Drag it till A11, the output will be like
RANDBETWEEN Function is explained detail in the next chapter
