Returns an evenly distributed random number greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1. A new random number is returned every time the spreadsheet is calculated.
Syntax
RAND( )
Remarks
- To generate a random real number between a and b, use:
RAND()*(b-a)+a
Example
The example may be easier to understand if you copy it to a blank spreadsheet.
How?- Create a blank spreadsheet.
- Select the example in the Help topic.
Selecting an example from Help
- Press CTRL+C.
- In the spreadsheet, select cell A1, and press CTRL+V.
- To switch between viewing the formula that returns the result and the result in the cell, select the cell and press F2 and then ENTER, or click Commands and Options on the spreadsheet toolbar, click the Formula tab, and look in the Formula in active cell (active cell) box.
| Formula | Description (Result) |
|---|---|
| =RAND() | A random number between 0 and 1 (varies) |
| =RAND()*100 | A random number equal to 0 but less than 100 (varies) |