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RANDBETWEEN Function (OpenOffice Calc)

Math Beginner OpenOffice Calc Introduction not established

The RANDBETWEEN function in OpenOffice Calc returns a random integer between two specified numbers. Learn syntax, recalculation behavior, examples, and best practices.

Verification status: Consult the documentation, examples and any stated test scope below. How formula examples are checked

Availability and version history

  • Introduced: Documented by Apache OpenOffice 4.1.16; original introduction not established.
  • Availability: Supported in Apache OpenOffice 4.1.16, verified against its function registry. This identifies a supported release, not a final working version.
  • Scope: Desktop Calc, using the English function name. Availability in other spreadsheet applications is separate.
  • Checked: 2026-10-14 — function reference; versioned support. Documentation/source check; not a new native test. Existing example-specific test claims below retain their stated scope.

The RANDBETWEEN function in OpenOffice Calc returns a random integer between two specified numbers, inclusive. It is ideal for simulations, sampling, random selection, procedural generation, and any scenario where you need whole‑number randomness.

What the RANDBETWEEN Function Does

  • Returns a random integer
  • Range is inclusive (both endpoints included)
  • Recalculates on every sheet update
  • Works across sheets
  • Pairs naturally with RAND, INT, and INDEX

RANDBETWEEN is ideal when you need uniform random integers.

Syntax

RANDBETWEEN(bottom; top)

Arguments:

  • bottom — The lowest integer allowed
  • top — The highest integer allowed
Both bottom and top must be integers or integer‑convertible values.

Basic Examples

Random integer between 1 and 10

=RANDBETWEEN(1; 10)

Random integer between 0 and 100

=RANDBETWEEN(0; 100)

Random integer using cell references

=RANDBETWEEN(A1; B1)

Random negative integer range

=RANDBETWEEN(-10; -1)

Advanced Examples

Random even number between 2 and 20

=RANDBETWEEN(1; 10) * 2

Random multiple of 5 between 0 and 100

=RANDBETWEEN(0; 20) * 5

Random date between two dates

=RANDBETWEEN(StartDate; EndDate)

Random time (in seconds)

=RANDBETWEEN(0; 86400) / 86400

Random selection from a list

=INDEX(List; RANDBETWEEN(1; ROWS(List)))

Random boolean (TRUE/FALSE)

=RANDBETWEEN(0; 1) = 1

Random sign (−1 or +1)

=IF(RANDBETWEEN(0; 1)=0; -1; 1)

RANDBETWEEN across sheets

=RANDBETWEEN(Sheet1.A1; Sheet1.B1)

Weighted random selection (manual)

If A1:A5 contains weights:

=MATCH(RAND(); CUMULATIVE_WEIGHTS_RANGE)

(Requires helper column.)

Recalculation Behavior

RANDBETWEEN updates when:

  • Any cell is edited
  • The sheet recalculates
  • You press F9
  • The file is opened

To freeze values:

  1. Select the RANDBETWEEN cells
  2. Copy
  3. Paste Special → Values Only

Common Errors and Fixes

RANDBETWEEN returns Err:502 (Invalid argument)

Occurs when:

  • bottom or top is text
  • bottom or top is empty
  • bottom > top
  • A malformed reference is used

RANDBETWEEN returns unexpected results

Possible causes:

  • Forgetting that it recalculates
  • Using decimals instead of integers
  • Using volatile formulas that trigger recalculation

RANDBETWEEN ignores values you expected it to include

RANDBETWEEN ignores:

  • Text numbers ("123")
  • Empty cells
  • Logical values
  • Errors

RANDBETWEEN includes values you expected it to ignore

RANDBETWEEN includes:

  • Both endpoints (inclusive)
  • Numeric results of formulas

Err:508 — Missing parenthesis

Usually caused by:

  • Missing )
  • Using commas instead of semicolons

Best Practices

  • Use RANDBETWEEN for integer ranges
  • Use RAND for decimal ranges
  • Freeze values when reproducibility matters
  • Use RANDBETWEEN with INDEX for random selection
  • Use RANDBETWEEN with ROW for random row sampling
  • Use named ranges for cleaner formulas
RANDBETWEEN is the fastest way to generate clean, reproducible integer randomness — perfect for simulations, sampling, and procedural logic.