Math & Trig

RANDBETWEEN Function in Excel

Returns a random integer between two specified numbers.

Syntax

  • =RANDBETWEEN(bottom, top)

Arguments

  • bottom (required): Smallest integer to return
  • top (required): Largest integer to return

Examples

  • =RANDBETWEEN(1, 100) - Random integer 1-100 - Result: Random integer
  • =RANDBETWEEN(1, 6) - Simulate dice roll - Result: 1-6

Excel RANDBETWEEN function documentation

  • RANDBETWEEN returns a random integer between two bounds, inclusive.
  • Syntax: =RANDBETWEEN(bottom, top). Volatile like [RAND](/functions/rand/).
  • Ideal for dice rolls, random IDs in test data, sampling integer SKUs, and games.
  • Related: [RAND](/functions/rand/), [RANDARRAY](/functions/randarray/), [CHOOSE](/functions/choose/).

RANDBETWEEN syntax and limits

  • bottom and top must be integers — Excel rounds if decimals supplied.
  • bottom > top returns #NUM!.
  • Freeze results: copy → Paste Values before publishing draws.
  • Large spreadsheets with many RANDBETWEEN cells increase recalc time.

Step-by-step: random team assignment

  • Step 1 — List of names in A2:A50.
  • Step 2 — Random team 1–4: =RANDBETWEEN(1,4) in B2 copied down.
  • Step 3 — Paste values on column B to lock assignments.
  • Step 4 — Pivot count per team for balance check.
  • Step 5 — Reseed by recalculating F9 or editing any cell.

RANDBETWEEN vs RAND vs RANDARRAY

  • RANDBETWEEN — inclusive integers in range.
  • RAND — unit interval decimal; scale manually.
  • RANDARRAY(rows, cols, min, max, TRUE) — spill block in 365.
  • Pick random name: =INDEX(names, RANDBETWEEN(1, COUNTA(names))).

Worked examples to copy

  • Dice: =RANDBETWEEN(1,6).
  • Percent lottery: =RANDBETWEEN(1,100).
  • Random row: =INDEX(A:A, RANDBETWEEN(1, COUNTA(A:A))).
  • Two dice: =RANDBETWEEN(1,6)+RANDBETWEEN(1,6).

People also ask

  • RANDBETWEEN change on open? — Recalculates when workbook calculates.
  • Same number repeats? — Random; duplicates possible in small ranges.
  • RANDBETWEEN decimals? — Function returns integers only.
  • RANDBETWEEN in Excel online? — Supported in modern Excel web.

Common errors

  • #VALUE! if bottom > top
  • Recalculates on every change

Use cases

  • Random selection
  • Games
  • Sampling

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I simulate rolling dice in Excel? Use =RANDBETWEEN(1,6) for a single die. For two dice: =RANDBETWEEN(1,6)+RANDBETWEEN(1,6). For a D20: =RANDBETWEEN(1,20). Each recalculation 'rolls' again. Press F9 to recalculate and get new rolls.
  • How do I randomly select from a list? Use =INDEX(list, RANDBETWEEN(1, COUNTA(list))). If names are in A1:A10: =INDEX(A1:A10, RANDBETWEEN(1,10)) picks a random name. For unique selections without repeats, use RANDARRAY with SORTBY instead.
  • Can RANDBETWEEN generate decimal numbers? No, RANDBETWEEN only returns integers. For random decimals in a range, use =RAND()*(top-bottom)+bottom. For example, random between 1.5 and 3.5: =RAND()*2+1.5.

Editorial review

  • Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.

When to use RANDBETWEEN

  • Random selection — common Math & Trig scenario for RANDBETWEEN.
  • Games — common Math & Trig scenario for RANDBETWEEN.
  • Sampling — common Math & Trig scenario for RANDBETWEEN.

RANDBETWEEN in the Math & Trig category

  • Browse all Math & Trig functions at /categories/math-trig/ for related formulas.
  • RANDBETWEEN syntax: =RANDBETWEEN(bottom, top)
  • bottom (required): Smallest integer to return
  • top (required): Largest integer to return
  • Confirm RANDBETWEEN arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.

Formula checklist before you copy down

  • Confirm RANDBETWEEN arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.
  • If results look wrong, check for text stored as numbers and invisible spaces with TRIM.
  • Spot-check three known input rows manually against expected output.

Related Excel functions

  • RAND (/functions/rand/): Returns a random decimal number between 0 and 1.
  • RANDARRAY (/functions/randarray/): Returns an array of random numbers.

Errors to watch for

  • #VALUE! if bottom > top — review causes on linked error pages in the directory.
  • Recalculates on every change — review causes on linked error pages in the directory.

Copy-paste audit workflow

  • Enter RANDBETWEEN on three test rows with known expected output documented on a QA tab.
  • Fill down only after absolute references are locked on lookup tables and rate tables.
  • Compare against manual calculation or a calculator for financial and statistical functions.
  • Search this directory for comparison guides when choosing between similar functions in the same category.

RANDBETWEEN worked examples to copy

  • =RANDBETWEEN(1, 100) — Random integer 1-100. Expected result: Random integer.
  • =RANDBETWEEN(1, 6) — Simulate dice roll. Expected result: 1-6.

RANDBETWEEN reference summary for crawlers and offline review

  • RANDBETWEEN belongs to the Math & Trig category in Excel. Returns a random integer between two specified numbers.
  • Full syntax: =RANDBETWEEN(bottom, top). Open /functions/randbetween/ for parameters, FAQs, and related pages.
  • Common mistakes: #VALUE! if bottom > top; Recalculates on every change
  • Pair this function with comparison guides when another Excel formula might fit the same task better.
  • Review fix-excel-formula-errors when unexpected errors appear after upgrading Excel or sharing across locales.