Generate random numbers between min and max with step:
Random number generation
- Random number generator uses cryptographically secure pseudorandom number generator with all recent browsers, except Opera and for list length of up to 16384.
- The random numbers are generated locally in the browser and are not sent to the server.
- The web page is loaded with HTTPS and SSL encryption.
- The distribution graph shows the number of occurrences of each number and is not normalized.
- You can view close to uniform distribution graph by setting large list length.
What is a random number
A random number is a number chosen from a pool of limited or unlimited numbers that has no discernible pattern for prediction. The pool of numbers is almost always independent from each other. However, the pool of numbers may follow a specific distribution. For example, the height of the students in a school tends to follow a normal distribution around the median height. If the height of a student is picked at random, the picked number has higher chance to be closer to the median height than being classified as very tall or very short. The random number generators above assume that the numbers generated are independent of each other, and will be evenly spread across the whole range of possible values.
A random number generator, like the ones above, is a device that can generate one or many random numbers within a defined scope. Random number generators can be hardware based or pseudo-random number generators. Hardware based random-number generators can involve the use of a dice, a coin for flipping, or many other devices.
A pseudo-random number generator is an algorithm for generating a sequence of numbers whose properties approximate the properties of sequences of random numbers. Computer based random number generators are almost always pseudo-random number generators. Yet, the numbers generated by pseudo-random number generators are not truly random. Likewise, our generators above are also pseudo-random number generators. The random numbers generated are sufficient for most applications yet they should not be used for cryptographic purposes. True random numbers are based on physical phenomenon such as atmospheric noise, thermal noise, and other quantum phenomena. Methods that generate true random numbers also involve compensating for potential biases caused by the measurement process.
Why You Should Use a Random Number Generator
Now, if you're trying to come up with a list of random numbers yourself, you probably will find a pattern. Even subconsciously, the human mind is conditioned to look for and create things in a pattern or sequence. Unfortunately, this could negatively impact math problems you're working on or activities you have planned.
To make sure it stays up to chance and that you don’t have any influence over this choice, we’ve created this handy random number generator that can select a number for you. It’s simple to use. Just put in two numbers and the random number generator will give you an integer in between them.
How To Use a Random Number Generator
The random number generator recognizes whole numbers and negative numbers. It does not recognize decimals, fractions, or equations. If you insert a percent symbol, the symbol will not carry over into the random number box.
- Start by entering a number of your choice in the Lower Limit box.
- Then input another number of your choice in the Upper Limit box.
- Once you have your two numbers, click Enter.
- Your random number will appear in the Random Number box.
- Keep pressing Enter for a new number every time.
- To reset your Lower Limit and Upper Limit numbers, select Clear.
Working Example
Let's say you need to pull a random number for a raffle prize. There are thirty people who enter the raffle, and only three people will win. The tickets range from 1 to 150, so the Lower Limit is 1 and the Upper Limit would be 150. Click Enter and the random number generator gives you a 7, 36, and 2.
Raffle participants with the numbers 7, 36, and 2 on their tickets will be the three raffle winners.
Decimal Trouble
Imagine you are trying to find a number between 2.01 and 2.5. You enter 2.01 as your Lower Limit and 2.5 as your Upper Limit. You click Enter, and you get—a 2? That’s not between your values! Sorry, there are no decimals allowed in this random number generator. However, as long as you're working within decimals of the same whole number, you could use other whole numbers as your two values, and assign the result after the decimal.
So if your range is between 2.01 and 2.5, you could enter 1 and 50 in the value boxes. Let's say it generates the number 25. You could assign that after your decimal, and this would be your result: 2.25
Are you trying to calculate a problem or convert other numbers between units? Check out our other calculators!