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Math function
RANDBETWEEN
Returns a random whole number between two values you give.
Very commonDifficulty 1000 · CapableUsage rank #128 of 520
When to use it
Returns a random integer between two bounds, inclusive. Test data, dice, and sampling row numbers.
The shape of it
- Syntax
=RANDBETWEEN(bottom, top)
Worked examples
Dice
=RANDBETWEEN(1,6) → 3
A dice roll.
Random ID
=RANDBETWEEN(1000,9999) → 4817
A four-digit code.
Random date in a year
=RANDBETWEEN(DATE(2025,1,1),DATE(2025,12,31)) → 7/22/2025
Dates are serial numbers, so the bounds can be dates. Format the cell as a date.
Worth knowing
- Pick a random row: =INDEX(A2:A100,RANDBETWEEN(1,99)).
- Freeze results with Paste Special, Values, or they change on every recalculation.
- For decimals with a step, multiply: RANDBETWEEN(0,100)/4 gives quarters.
Where it goes wrong
- #NUM! when the bottom bound is larger than the top.
- Repeated values are expected; it is not a shuffle. Use RANDARRAY with SORTBY for a shuffle without repeats.
Related
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