Excel Random Number | Easy Guide

Introduction to Excel Random Number Functions

Whether you’re building a simulation, drawing lottery numbers or just creating sample data for testing, the Excel random number tools are simple and powerful. With built-in functions like RAND() and RANDBETWEEN(), you can create endless combinations of values directly in your spreadsheet.

This feature works across Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu, allowing you to generate random numbers no matter which platform you use 🎲.

Why Generate Random Numbers in Excel

Random numbers are useful for many applications, including:

📊 Simulations and probability modeling
🎯 Lottery or game number generation
🔢 Creating randomized test data
📦 Sampling rows from a dataset
📚 Teaching probability or math concepts

Excel gives you tools to do this instantly with just a simple formula.

Overview of RAND and RANDBETWEEN Functions

There are two main functions:

RAND()
Returns a random decimal number between 0 and 1
RANDBETWEEN(bottom, top)
Returns a random whole number between the specified range

Both functions recalculate every time the worksheet changes.

Syntax of the RAND Function

=RAND()

No arguments needed
Returns a number like 0.8364
Changes every time you refresh or modify the sheet

Use =ROUND(RAND(), 2) to control decimal places

Syntax of the RANDBETWEEN Function

=RANDBETWEEN(bottom, top)

bottom: Lowest value in the range
top: Highest value in the range

Example:

=RANDBETWEEN(1, 100)

Returns a random number from 1 to 100

Step-by-Step: Generate Random Numbers in Excel

To use RAND():

Select a cell
Type =RAND()
Press Enter
A decimal appears between 0 and 1

To use RANDBETWEEN():

Select a cell
Type =RANDBETWEEN(10,50)
Press Enter
A random whole number from 10 to 50 is displayed

Example: Using RAND for Probability Models

You can simulate probabilities by multiplying the output:

=RAND()*100

Returns a random decimal between 0 and 100

Use it to:

Simulate percentages
Generate scores
Model random chances

Example: Using RANDBETWEEN for Lotteries

To draw a random 6-digit number:

=RANDBETWEEN(100000,999999)

To pick random IDs from a list:

=RANDBETWEEN(1, COUNTA(A2:A101))

📍 Great for contests, games, or anonymous sampling

Generating Random Numbers with Cell References

Let’s say:

Cell A1 = 5
Cell B1 = 20

Then:

=RANDBETWEEN(A1, B1)

This adjusts automatically if A1 or B1 changes, making your random number range dynamic 🔁

Locking Random Numbers After Generation

By default, RAND and RANDBETWEEN update every time you:

Recalculate formulas
Enter data in any cell
Press F9

To freeze values:

Select the cell(s) with random numbers
Press Ctrl + C
Right-click → Paste Special → Values

Now your numbers are static 🧊

Using Excel Random Numbers on Windows

Formula entry: =RAND() or =RANDBETWEEN()
Press F9 to recalculate
Use Ctrl + Shift + ↓ to fill a column with formulas

💻 All versions from Excel 2007 onward support these functions

Excel Random Numbers on macOS

Works identically to Windows
Edit formulas with Control + U
Use Command + C and Command + V for copy-paste

🍏 Reliable across Excel for Mac 2016 and newer

Random Number Generation in LibreOffice Ubuntu

LibreOffice Calc functions:

RAND() → Same as Excel
RANDBETWEEN(bottom, top) → Identical usage

🐧 Linux users can generate random numbers with zero compatibility issues

Controlling Decimal Places in RAND

To limit decimals:

=ROUND(RAND(), 2)

Other options:

Use INT(RAND()*100) for whole numbers
Format the cell using Format > Number > Custom

📌 Useful for cleaner presentations

Avoiding Recalculation of Random Numbers

Tips:

Paste as values after generating
Use helper columns for temporary calculations
Turn off automatic calculation in Formulas > Calculation Options

Use static values in final reports to avoid confusion

Sorting and Filtering Randomized Lists

To shuffle a list:

Insert a column with =RAND()
Select all data
Sort by the RAND column
Delete the RAND column afterward

✅ This is a quick and easy way to randomize any table

Generating Unique Random Numbers in Excel

To generate non-repeating numbers:

Create a sequential list (1 to 100)
Use =RAND() in a helper column
Sort both columns by the RAND values
Result: A randomized, unique list

Great for:

Randomized surveys
Student assignments
Secret codes

Combining RANDOM Functions with Other Formulas

Examples:

=IF(RAND()<0.5, "Yes", "No") → Random binary output
=VLOOKUP(RANDBETWEEN(1,100), A1:B100, 2, FALSE) → Random lookup
=IF(RANDBETWEEN(1,10)>5, "Win", "Lose") → Simple game logic

🎯 Useful in quizzes and gamified templates

Visualizing Random Results in Charts

Create a column of random values:

=RANDBETWEEN(10,100)

Use:

Line charts to show trends
Column charts to simulate datasets
Scatter plots to visualize randomness

📈 Perfect for training or simulations

FAQs About Excel Random Number Functions

What’s the difference between RAND and RANDBETWEEN?
RAND returns a decimal between 0 and 1. RANDBETWEEN returns a whole number between two numbers.

Can I generate random numbers without repetition?
Yes, but you need to use sorting with RAND and a sequential list.

Do random numbers change every time?
Yes. To stop them from updating, use Paste Special > Values.

Is random number generation available on Mac and Linux?
Yes. Fully supported in Excel for Mac and LibreOffice for Ubuntu.

Can I limit decimals with RAND()?
Use ROUND(RAND(), n) to control the number of decimal places.

Final Thoughts on Excel Random Number Tools

The Excel random number functions like RAND() and RANDBETWEEN() are incredibly useful for simulations, games, data shuffling, and more. With easy syntax and wide platform support across Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu, you can integrate randomness into any spreadsheet with confidence 🎯

Try using these tools today to bring flexibility and creativity into your Excel projects.

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

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