Documentation/Calc Functions/RAND

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    Function name:

    RAND

    Category:

    Mathematical

    Summary:

    Generates a uniformly distributed random number in the range 0 (inclusive) to 1 (exclusive).

    Syntax:

    RAND()

    Returns:

    Returns a real number in the range [0, 1).

    Arguments:

    None.

    Additional details:

    • RAND is a volatile function that produces a new random number each time Calc recalculates. This means that Calc will update the value returned by RAND when any cell is updated by selecting Data ▸ Calculate ▸ Recalculate or pressing F9, or on any input event.
    • Use the RAND.NV function for a non-volatile equivalent.
    • To generate random numbers that never recalculate, either:
      • Copy cells containing =RAND(), and use Edit ▸ Paste Special (with All and Formulas deselected and Numbers selected).
      • Use Sheet ▸ Fill Cells ▸ Fill Random Number to fill a selected cell range with random numbers, generated in accordance with the flexible settings available through the Random Number Generator dialog.
    • To generate numbers in a range other than [0, 1), either:
      • Scale the value returned by RAND to a new range using a formula of the form =(RAND()*(b-a))+a to generate a number in the range [a, b). For example, the formula =(RAND()*20)-10 would generate random numbers in the range [-10, 10).
      • Use the RANDBETWEEN function or its non-volatile equivalent RANDBETWEEN.NV.

    Examples:

    Formula Description Returns
    =RAND()

    Generate a random number r in the range 0 ≤ r < 1. The returned value will change whenever Calc recalculates.

    0.41196744494765

    Related LibreOffice functions:

    RAND.NV

    RANDBETWEEN

    RANDBETWEEN.NV

    ODF standard:

    Section 6.16.50, part 2

    Related (or similar) Excel functions:

    RAND