Calculator Use

Generate one or more random numbers in your custom range from 0 to 10,000. Generate positive or negative random numbers with repeats or no repeats.

About Random Number Generators

There are two main types of random number generators: pseudo-random and true random.

A pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) is typically programmed using a randomizing math function to select a "random" number within a set range. These random number generators are pseudo-random because the computer program or algorithm may have unintended selection bias. In other words, randomness from a computer program is not necessarily an organic, truly random event.

A true random number generator (TRNG) relies on randomness from a physical event that is external to the computer and its operating system. Examples of such events are blips in atmospheric noise, or points at which a radioactive material decays. A true random number generator receives information from these types of unpredictable events to produce a truly random number.

This calculator uses a randomizing computer program to produce random numbers, so it is a pseudo-random number generator.

How to Generate Random Numbers

1. What is your range? Set a minimum number and a maximum number. The random number(s) generated are selected from your range of numbers, with the min and max numbers included.
2. How many numbers? Specify how many random numbers to generate.
3. Allow repeats? If you choose No your random numbers will be unique and there is no chance of getting a duplicate number. If you choose Yes the random number generator may produce a duplicate number in your set of numbers.
4. Sort numbers? You can decide not to sort your random numbers. You can also order your random numbers ascending, lowest to highest or descending, highest to lowest.

Do you need to include random numbers and letters in a random character set? See the CalculatorSoup^® Random Number and Letter Set Generator.

Example: Generate a Random Number to Use as a PIN.

To generate a 6-digit PIN with or without duplicate digits choose the following settings:

• Min = 0
• Max = 9
• Generate 6 numbers
• Allow repeats = yes or no
• Sort numbers = Do not sort

Do it: Generate a 6 digit PIN without duplicates

Example: Randomize a Set of Numbers

Say you have a group of 10 people represented by the numbers 1 to 10. You want to shuffle them into a random order of selection for an event.

Choose the following settings to randomize order of selection:

• Min = 1
• Max = 10
• Generate 10 numbers
• Allow repeats = no
• Sort numbers = Do not sort

Do it: Randomize the order of a set of numbers, 1 to 10

Example: Randomly Choose One Number From a Range of Numbers

Say you want randomly select one number from 1 to 10, like drawing a number out of a hat.

Choose the following settings:

• Min = 1
• Max = 10
• Generate 1 number
• Allow repeats = no
• Sort numbers = Do not sort

Do it: Random number generator 1 to 10

Also try: Random number generator 1 to 100

Example: Lottery Number Generator

You want to generate numbers for lottery tickets. You need to choose 5 numbers from a pool of 1 to 49 without duplicates.

Choose the following settings in the random number generator:

• Min = 1
• Max = 49
• Generate 5 numbers
• Allow Duplicates = no
• Sort Numbers = low to high

Do it: Generate 5 lottery numbers from a range of 1 to 49

Cite this content, page or calculator as:

Furey, Edward "Random Number Generator" at https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/statistics/random-number-generator.php from CalculatorSoup, https://www.calculatorsoup.com - Online Calculators

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