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Random Number Generation

Article ID: 86523 - View products that this article applies to.

This article was previously published under Q86523

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Excel, the RAND function uses the following iterative method to calculate pseudo-random numbers:

The first random number:

   random_number=fractional part of (9821 * r + 0.211327),
   where r = .5

Successive random numbers:

   random_number=fractional part of (9821 * r + 0.211327),
   where r = the previous random number

This formula will provide up to 1 million different numbers.

Computers cannot generate truly random numbers. Instead, they return a series of numbers based on a mathematical relationship that simulates "randomness." The "randomness" exhibited by the numbers is a function of the mathematical formula used by the random number generator.

In Microsoft Excel for Windows, adding randomize=1 to the [Microsoft Excel] section of the appropriate .INI file for your version of Microsoft Excel will cause "r" to be determined from the system clock (which adds a further degree of randomness to the numbers generated).

   For this version         The name of your
   of Microsoft Excel       .INI file is this
   -----------------------------------------

   5.0                      EXCEL5.INI
   4.0                      EXCEL4.INI
   3.0                      EXCEL.INI

Note that there is no such setting with Microsoft Excel for OS/2 or Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh.

NOTE: Excel 5.0 defaults to the RANDOMIZE=1 setting. Previous versions of Microsoft Excel defaulted to RANDOMIZE=0.

Properties

Article ID: 86523 - Last Review: November 16, 2006 - Revision: 1.4

APPLIES TO

Microsoft Excel 97 Standard Edition
Microsoft Excel 95 Standard Edition
Microsoft Excel 5.0 Standard Edition
Microsoft Excel 98 for Macintosh

kbinfo KB86523

Retired KB Content Disclaimer

This article was written about products for which Microsoft no longer offers support. Therefore, this article is offered "as is" and will no longer be updated.