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Random Numbers in Excel 2007
Generate Random Numbers with the RAND Function

By Ted French, About.com

Generate Random Numbers in Excel 2007

Generate Random Numbers in Excel

© Ted French

One way to generate random numbers in Excel is to use the RAND function. This function produces a random number between 0 and 1.

The syntax for the RAND function is:

= RAND ( )

Note: This function takes no arguments.

Example Using Excel's RAND Function:

Note: For help with this example, see the image to the right.

  1. Click on cell E1 in the spreadsheet - the location where the results will be displayed.

  2. Click on the Formulas tab of the ribbon menu.

  3. Choose Math & Trig from the ribbon to open the function drop down list.

  4. Click on RAND in the list to bring up the function's dialog box.

  5. Click OK.

  6. A random number between 0 and 1 should appear in cell E1.

  7. To generate another random number, press the F9 key on the keyboard.

  8. When you click on cell E1 the complete function = RAND ( ) appears in the formula bar above the worksheet.


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