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How to generate random numbers in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:Data cleaning & shapingExcel & Google Sheets
=RANDBETWEEN(1,100)✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Random Number |
=RANDBETWEEN(1,100)→100
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Step by step
- 1For a random integer in a range, type =RANDBETWEEN(1,100) — replace 1 and 100 with your lower and upper bounds.
- 2For a random decimal between 0 and 1, use =RAND(). To scale it, multiply: =RAND()*100 gives a decimal between 0 and 100.
- 3To freeze the random values so they don't change, copy the cells and Paste Special → Values Only.
Tips
- To generate a random selection from a list, combine RAND with RANK: add a RAND() column next to your list, then RANK each random number to shuffle the order without duplicates.
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Frequently asked
Why do my random numbers change every time I edit the sheet?
RAND and RANDBETWEEN are volatile — they recalculate whenever anything changes. Paste as values to lock them permanently.
How do I generate random numbers without repeats?
Use RAND() in a helper column and RANK() to assign unique positions, then INDEX into your source list using those ranks.
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