Excel Math Functions : RAND

Introduction to RAND Function

RAND function returns a random number ranging from 0 to 1. In simple words, you can generate a random number between 0 to 1 (it updates its value every time you make a change in the worksheet).

Download Sample file

Download Sample file for working with the tutorial.

Syntax of RAND Function

RAND()

Arguments in RAND Function

• there is no argument to specify in RAND functions

Notes

• If you put zero in multiple it will return zero in the result.
• If you skip specifying multiple it will return with an error.
• It rounds away from zero.
• If you have two multiples on the same distance it will return the multiple which is higher than the number you are rounding.

Tutorial of RAND Function in MS Excel

Apart from having numbers between 0 and 1, you can also use RAND for random numbers between two specific numbers. In the below example, I have used it to create a formula that generates a random number between 50 and 100.

When you enter this formula in a cell it returns a number between 100 and 50 by multiplying the values returned by the RAND with the equation we have used. To understand this formula we need to split it into three parts:

1. First of all, when it detects the lowest number from the highest number you get the difference between both of them.
2. Then secondly it multiplies that difference with the random number returned after the subtraction.
3. And third, add that number with the lowest number left in the third part of the equation.

Other Math Function in Microsoft Excel

Explore other math function in Microsoft excel. The list of all the math function available for everyday use is given below –

• ABS Function
• EVEN Function
• INT Function
• MOD Function
• MROUND Function
• RAND Function
• SUM Function
• SUMIF Function
• SUMIFS Function
• SUMPRODUCT Function
• TRUNC Function