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.
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.
Solve Real Business Problems Master business modeling and analysis techniques with Excel and transform data into bottom-line results. This hands-on, scenario-focused guide shows you how to use the latest Excel tools to integrate data from multiple tables. Check out Microsoft Excel 2013 Data Analysis and Business Modeling today!
It is not unusual to need to select two random items from a list. There are a couple of ways you can approach the task; ...
Discover MoreNormally you use the RAND and RANDBETWEEN functions to generate random numbers. What if you want to generate random ...
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 © 2022 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