How to Generate Random Numbers in Excel

Produce random decimals or whole numbers in a range with a single function — and the trick to freeze them so they stop changing every time the sheet recalculates.

By the Quiriz Team · Published July 24, 2026 · 3 min read

The quick answer: =RAND() for a decimal between 0 and 1, =RANDBETWEEN(1,100) for a whole number in a range. Both refresh on every recalculation — the trick to stop that is below.

Random decimal — RAND

=RAND() returns a random decimal from 0 up to (not including) 1. For a decimal in a custom range, scale it: =RAND()*(100-1)+1 gives a random decimal between 1 and 100.

Whole number in a range — RANDBETWEEN

=RANDBETWEEN(1,100) returns a random integer from 1 to 100, both ends included. Swap the numbers for any range — dice rolls are =RANDBETWEEN(1,6).

Many at once — RANDARRAY (365)

=RANDARRAY(10,1,1,100,TRUE) spills ten random whole numbers between 1 and 100 down a column. The final TRUE asks for whole numbers; drop it for decimals.

Stop them changing — freeze the values

RAND and RANDBETWEEN reroll on every edit, which is rarely what you want in a finished sheet. Select the cells, copy, then Paste Special → Values — shortcut Alt + E + S + V, then Enter — over the same cells. The formulas become fixed numbers that stay put.

🛠 Free tool: prefer not to click through menus? the free Random Number Generator produces the numbers for you — pick a range and quantity, then copy them straight into Excel as fixed values.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I generate a random number between two numbers?

Use RANDBETWEEN: =RANDBETWEEN(1,100) returns a random whole number from 1 to 100, both ends included. Change the arguments for any range.

How do I stop random numbers from changing?

RAND and RANDBETWEEN recalculate on every edit. To lock the values, select the cells, copy them, then Paste Special > Values over the same cells. They become fixed numbers with no formula.

How do I get a random decimal in Excel?

Use =RAND() for a decimal between 0 and 1. For a decimal in another range, multiply: =RAND()*(high-low)+low gives a random decimal between low and high.

How do I generate random numbers without duplicates?

In Excel 365, =RANDARRAY has no unique option, so generate more than you need and use UNIQUE, or use SORTBY with RANDARRAY to shuffle a fixed list and take the first N — that guarantees no repeats.