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What is the formula for a random number generator?

If we wish to generate a random number between two numbers, we can use the formula: RAND() * (b – a) + a, where a is the smallest number and b is the largest number that we wish to generate a random number for.

corporatefinanceinstitute.com - RAND Function - Formula, Examples, How to Use RAND

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RAND Function Returns a random number between 0 and 1 Written by CFI Team Updated October 31, 2022

What is the RAND Function?

The RAND Function[1] is categorized under Excel Math and Trigonometry functions. The function will return a random number between 0 and 1. It provides a real number that will be returned every time the worksheet is opened. As a financial analyst, the RAND function can be used to generate random numbers. However, it is used less frequently in the finance industry, as compared to other fields such as cryptography and statistics.

Formula

=RAND()

The RAND function requires no argument.

How to use the RAND Function in Excel?

To understand the uses of the RAND function, let’s consider an example:

Example 1

When we type =RAND() in any cell, every time the worksheet is opened or recalculated, it will show a different number, as shown below: When we did some recalculations, the worksheet changed the results, as shown below:

Things to remember about the RAND Function

RAND will calculate a new value each time the worksheet is calculated. If we wish to stop random numbers from being generated, we need to copy the cells that contain RAND to the clipboard and then use Paste Special > Values to convert them to text. To get a random number that will not change when the worksheet is calculated, we need to enter =RAND() in the Formula bar and then press F9 to convert the formula into its result. If we wish to generate a set of random numbers in multiple cells, we need to select the cells, enter RAND() and then press Ctrl + Enter. If we wish to generate a random number between two numbers, we can use the formula: RAND() * (b – a) + a, where a is the smallest number and b is the largest number that we wish to generate a random number for. Thanks for reading CFI’s guide to important Excel functions! By taking the time to learn and master these Excel functions, you’ll significantly speed up your financial analysis. To learn more, check out these additional CFI resources:

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micro.magnet.fsu.edu - The Silicon Zoo - The World's Most Common Random Number

This circuitry on the MIPS R4000 microprocessor contains not only an image of Nikki, Larry Johnson's Chow dog, but also the number 37. We are told that MIPS chip designer Mark Johnson, who claims it is the World's most common random number, is responsible for scribbling this number onto the mask. A number of visitors have responded to us about the concept of 37 being the most random number. Here are some of their theories: 37 degrees is the normal temperature of the human body on the Celsius scale. The Buddhist book "37 Bodhisattva Practices" outlines the steps for an aspiring bodhisattva. A number of interesting topics are raised in Tom Magliery's 37 Factoids Page . One of the "tricks" of some magicians is to ask the audience to pick a number between 1 and 100, and then ask people who picked the number 37 to raise their hands. This supposedly results in a disproportionate number of people with raised hands. Exploited in carnivals, the fact that given a choice of any number between 1 and 10, people will most often choose 3 or 7. Humans are lousy random-number generators and an unusually large number of them will pick 37 while a smaller, but still lopsided number of people will pick 73. Although we are not sure of the accuracy of these theories, it does seem that quite a few people (in addition to Mark Johnson) believe that 37 is the World's most common random number.

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