Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Determining a Random Value.
VBA provides a function to return a random value. You wouldn't necessarily use this function by itself, but as part of a larger macro that may require the use of random values. The syntax for the function is as follows:
x = Rnd()
where x is the result. The value returned will always be between 0 and 1. To translate this to some other random value, all you need to do is multiply the result by the highest number you want to consider. For instance, if you wanted a random integer number between 1 and 25, you could use the following code line:
x = Int(25 * Rnd()) + 1
Since Rnd always returns a value between 0 and 1 (but never 1 itself), multiplying what it returns by 25 and then using the Int function on that result will return a number between 0 and 24. Finally, 1 is added to this result, so that x will be equal to a number between 1 and 25, inclusive.
If you want a random floating point number, then simply removing the Int function from this code will not work correctly. Instead, you'll need to modify the formula in this manner:
x = (Rnd() * 24) + 1
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (9751) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, and 2013. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Determining a Random Value.
Program Successfully in Excel! John Walkenbach's name is synonymous with excellence in deciphering complex technical topics. With this comprehensive guide, "Mr. Spreadsheet" shows how to maximize your Excel experience using professional spreadsheet application development tips from his own personal bookshelf. Check out Excel 2013 Power Programming with VBA today!
Need to figure out an absolute value within your macro code? It's easy to do using the Abs function, described in this tip.
Discover MoreIf you have a large, complex workbook, you may want to make sure that it is always calculated manually instead of ...
Discover MoreWant to add some macros to your workbook? What do you do if you try to add the macros but the program has disabled the tools?
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2014-08-19 10:23:13
Bryan
@JJ Olinchak: The Excel function you are thinking of is RANDBETWEEN (not randOMbetween). There is no VBA equivalent, but you can roll your own or use Application.WorksheetFunction.RandBetween(low, high).
2014-08-18 01:23:17
Geir Njaa
The RND() function is not truly random unless you initialize the random number generator with RANDOMIZE first.
If you do not RANDOMIZE, RND will produce the same sequence of numbers every time you restart Excel.
2014-08-17 10:03:39
JJ Olinchak
Excel also has "RandomBetween" function. To generate an integer between 1 and 25, type: =RandomBetween(1,25)
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2019 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: 
Comments