RAND()

Syntax. RAND()

Definition. This function returns a random number between 0 and 1 with up to 16 decimal places.

Arguments. None

Background. The RAND() function returns a random number greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1.

To generate a random real number between a and b, use:

=RAND() • (b-a)+a

A new random number is returned every time the worksheet is calculated.

Example. The RAND() function is often used to fill a table with test data or to simulate processes in engineering and natural sciences. The formula has to be entered in each cell.

Tip: Use RAND() to generate a random number

If you want to use RAND() to generate a random number but don’t want the numbers to change every time the cell is calculated, you can enter =RAND() in the formula ...

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