Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Random Numbers in a Range.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 3, 2018)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Excel provides a power function that allows you to easily return a random integer number within a range. For instance, you can use the RANDBETWEEN function to return a random integer number between 50 and 99, or between –25 and 0. The syntax for the function is as follows:
=RANDBETWEEN(lower, upper)
All you need to do is provide the lower and upper values. If the first number you provide is actually higher than the second number, then RANDBETWEEN returns a #NUM! error.
The RANDBETWEEN function is a part of the Analysis Toolpak. If you get an error when you try to use the function, you can make sure the toolpak is loaded in this manner:
Figure 1. The Add-Ins dialog box.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2812) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Random Numbers in a Range.
Program Successfully in Excel! This guide will provide you with all the information you need to automate any task in Excel and save time and effort. Learn how to extend Excel's functionality with VBA to create solutions not possible with the standard features. Includes latest information for Excel 2024 and Microsoft 365. Check out Mastering Excel VBA Programming today!
When entering data into a worksheet, you may have a need to fill a range of cells with a group of random numbers. This ...
Discover MoreEver need to populate some cells in your worksheet with a range of data, but in random order? Here's a handy macro to get ...
Discover MoreRandom values are often needed when working with certain types of data. When you need to generate a random value in a ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here:
Comments