📎 This article includes 1 downloadable practice file ↓
In this article
RAND returns a new random number between 0 and 1 on every recalculation — useful for random samples and shuffling.
Syntax
=RAND()Examples
Example 1
=RAND()Put next to a list, then sort by it to shuffle the list.
Example 2
=IF(RAND()<10%, "Audit", "")Randomly pick about 10% of invoices for checking.
RAND in practice
Where you will use it
- Random sample of rows for audits
- Shuffle a list (sort by a RAND column)
- Simulations
Worked example
| Use | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Random decimal 0-1 | =RAND() | (changes every recalculation) |
| Random sample flag (10%) | =RAND() | (changes every recalculation) |
Results calculated in Excel. RAND changes on every recalculation.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Results keep changing | Copy and Paste Values once you have your sample |
| Using it for security | Not suitable for passwords or security |
Related functions
RANDBETWEEN · RANDARRAY · SORTBY
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📎 Practice files for this article
- 📗Practice workbook: Math & rounding24 tasks on realistic sales data — type your formula, the Check column turns green when it is right. Answers sheet included.⬇ XLSX · 35 KB
Free to use for learning. Files with macros (.bas) are plain text — import them with Alt+F11 → File → Import File, and always test on a copy.
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