The RANDARRAY function in Excel generates an array of random numbers. It’s a versatile function that can produce random numbers with specified dimensions and within a specific range. You can also choose to generate either whole numbers or decimals, making it useful for simulations, random data generation, and more.
Syntax
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| RANDARRAY([rows], [columns], [min], [max], [integer]) | Generates an array of random numbers based on the specified parameters. |
Parameters
- rows: (Optional) The number of rows in the array. The default is 1.
- columns: (Optional) The number of columns in the array. The default is 1.
- min: (Optional) The minimum number for the random range. The default is 0.
- max: (Optional) The maximum number for the random range. The default is 1.
- integer: (Optional) Determines whether the numbers are whole numbers (TRUE) or decimals (FALSE). The default is FALSE (decimals).
Example
In this example, let’s generate a 3x4 array of random integers between 10 and 50.
| Row | Col 1 | Col 2 | Col 3 | Col 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 | 46 | 17 | 38 |
| 2 | 15 | 29 | 40 | 13 |
| 3 | 50 | 12 | 34 | 21 |
Task: Generate a 3x4 array of random integers between 10 and 50.
To do this, use the RANDARRAY function like this:
=RANDARRAY(3, 4, 10, 50, TRUE)This formula generates an array of random whole numbers between 10 and 50 with 3 rows and 4 columns.
Practice Exercise 1
Task: Generate a 5x5 array of random decimal numbers between 0 and 1.
Practice Exercise 2
Task: Generate a 4x3 array of random integers between -100 and 100.
Solution for Exercise 1
To generate a 5x5 array of random decimal numbers between 0 and 1:
=RANDARRAY(5, 5)This formula generates a 5-row by 5-column array of random decimal numbers between 0 and 1.
Solution for Exercise 2
To generate a 4x3 array of random integers between -100 and 100:
=RANDARRAY(4, 3, -100, 100, TRUE)This function creates a 4-row by 3-column array of random whole numbers between -100 and 100.