Fixed bound for a stable example
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bottom | Top |
| 2 | 5 | 5 |
Formula: D2: =RANDBETWEEN(A2,B2)
Result: 5
Equal bounds make the only possible random result five.
Google Sheets function
RANDBETWEEN in Google Sheets
In Google Sheets the bounds of RANDBETWEEN are both inclusive, and the value changes whenever the sheet recalculates.
Syntax (same in Google Sheets)
RANDBETWEEN(bottom, top)Under File, Settings, Calculation you can choose to recalculate on change only, or also every minute or every hour.
For a fuller explanation of the arguments and common errors, see the RANDBETWEEN Excel guide.
Worked examples in Google Sheets
Result respects its bounds
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bottom | Top |
| 2 | 1 | 1 |
Formula: D2: =AND(RANDBETWEEN(A2,B2)>=A2,RANDBETWEEN(A2,B2)<=B2)
Result: TRUE
The degenerate interval verifies the inclusive boundary without relying on a changing value.
Negative fixed bound
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bottom | Top |
| 2 | -3 | -3 |
Formula: D2: =RANDBETWEEN(A2,B2)
Result: -3
Negative integer bounds are accepted.
Try it
A tiny spreadsheet with example data. Edit the formula or any number and see the result.
Formula in D2: =RANDBETWEEN(1,100)
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Number | Step | Result | |
| 2 | 1234.567 | 50 | 59 | |
| 3 | 17 | 5 | ||
| 4 | -4.7 | 12 | ||
| 5 | 144 | 9 | ||
| 6 | 2.5 | 3 | ||
| 7 | 50 | 12 |
Result in D2: 59
Frequently asked questions
- How do I stop RANDBETWEEN from changing in Google Sheets?
- Copy the cell and use Paste special, Values only, which replaces the formula with its current number. The calculation setting under File, Settings only changes how often the volatile result refreshes.
Google Sheets is used here only as a descriptive product name. FormulaCamp is not affiliated with Google.