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 ▸ ▸ 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 ▸ (with All and Formulas deselected and Numbers selected). - Use ▸ ▸ to fill a selected cell range with random numbers, generated in accordance with the flexible settings available through the Random Number Generator dialog.
 
 - Copy cells containing 
 - 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))+ato generate a number in the range [a, b). For example, the formula=(RAND()*20)-10would generate random numbers in the range [-10, 10). - Use the RANDBETWEEN function or its non-volatile equivalent RANDBETWEEN.NV.
 
 - Scale the value returned by RAND to a new range using a formula of the form 
 
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:
ODF standard:
Related (or similar) Excel functions:
RAND