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RANDBETWEEN Function (LibreOffice Calc)

Math Beginner LibreOffice Calc LibreOffice 3.0

The RANDBETWEEN function in LibreOffice Calc returns a random integer between two specified values. It recalculates on every sheet update and is essential for simulations, sampling, testing, and randomized models.

The **RANDBETWEEN** function returns a random integer between two specified values in LibreOffice Calc. It recalculates every time the sheet updates, making it ideal for simulations, sampling, randomized testing, Monte Carlo models, and any scenario requiring pseudo-random whole numbers.

This guide provides syntax, examples, advanced usage patterns, common errors, and best practices, making it one of the most complete RANDBETWEEN references available for LibreOffice Calc.

What the RANDBETWEEN Function Does

  • Returns a random integer between two bounds
  • Recalculates on every sheet update
  • Useful for simulations, sampling, and randomized models
  • Works with any integer range
  • Complements the RAND function

It is designed to be simple, flexible, and universally compatible.

Syntax

RANDBETWEEN(bottom; top)

Arguments

  • bottom:
    The lowest integer to return.

  • top:
    The highest integer to return.

Basic Examples

Random integer between 1 and 10

=RANDBETWEEN(1; 10)

Random integer between 0 and 100

=RANDBETWEEN(0; 100)

Random integer between two cells

=RANDBETWEEN(A1; B1)

Random dice roll (1–6)

=RANDBETWEEN(1; 6)

Advanced Examples

Random even number between 2 and 20

=RANDBETWEEN(1; 10) * 2

Random odd number between 1 and 19

=RANDBETWEEN(0; 9) * 2 + 1

Random selection from a list

=INDEX(A1:A10; RANDBETWEEN(1; COUNTA(A1:A10)))

Random date between two dates

=RANDBETWEEN(A1; B1)

Where A1 and B1 contain date serial numbers.

Random time between two times

=RANDBETWEEN(A1 * 86400; B1 * 86400) / 86400

Random Boolean (TRUE/FALSE)

=RANDBETWEEN(0; 1) = 1

Random sample without replacement (manual method)

  1. Add a helper column with =RAND()
  2. Sort by the helper column
  3. Take the top N rows

Random normal distribution (approximate)

=NORMINV(RAND(); mean; stdev)

(Excel only; Calc users use Box–Muller with RAND.)

Common Errors and Fixes

RANDBETWEEN returns Err:502

Occurs when:

  • bottom > top
  • arguments are non-numeric
  • arguments are text

RANDBETWEEN recalculates unexpectedly

Cause:

  • Any sheet recalculation triggers new values
  • Sorting, editing, or pressing F9 updates results

Fix:
Copy → Paste Special → Values to freeze results.

RANDBETWEEN returns the same number repeatedly

Possible causes:

  • AutoCalculate disabled
  • Sheet not recalculating

Fix:
Enable: Tools → Options → LibreOffice Calc → Calculate → AutoCalculate.

Best Practices

  • Use RANDBETWEEN for integer ranges
  • Use RAND for decimal ranges
  • Freeze results with Paste Special → Values
  • Use RANDBETWEEN with INDEX for random selection
  • Use RANDBETWEEN for sampling, testing, and simulations
RANDBETWEEN is the simplest way to generate random integers — perfect for simulations, sampling, and randomized testing.
  • Use RAND for decimal random values
  • Use INT(RAND() * (b - a + 1)) + a for manual integer ranges
  • Use INDEX + RANDBETWEEN for random selection
  • Use RAND() < p for probability-based logic

By mastering RANDBETWEEN and its combinations with other math functions, you can build powerful, flexible randomization and simulation models in LibreOffice Calc.