Excel RAND Function

Summary

The Excel RAND function returns a random number between 0 and 1. For example, =RAND() will generate a number like 0.422245717. RAND recalculates when a worksheet is opened or changed.

Purpose

Get a random number between 0 and 1

Return value

A number between 1 and 0

Syntax

=RAND ()

Arguments

Usage notes

RAND calculates a new value each time the worksheet is calculated. To stop random numbers from being updated, copy the cells that contain RAND to the clipboard, then use Paste Special > Values to convert to text.
To get a random number that doesn't change when the worksheet is calculated, enter =RAND() in the formulas bar and then press F9 to convert the formula into its result.
To generate a set of random numbers in multiple cells, select the cells, enter RAND() and press control + enter.
To generate a random number between a and b, use this formula: RAND() * (b - a) + a