How does the built in Random number function in Excel work?

Is it truly random?

Hi Jason!

For Excel 2003 see:

Excel Statistical Functions: RAND
http://support.microsoft.com/default...95&Product=xlw

But also makes sure you see:

The RAND function returns negative numbers in Excel 2003
http://support.microsoft.com/default...20&Product=xlw

--
Regards
Norman Harker MVP (Excel)
Sydney, Australia

Excel and Word Function Lists (Classifications, Syntax and Arguments)
available free to good homes.
"jason" wrote in message
om...
How does the built in Random number function in Excel work?

Is it truly random?

It uses the timer in the PC as its base, believes the time
elapsed since the PC was turned on is random enough.


-----Original Message-----
How does the built in Random number function in Excel
work?

Is it truly random?
.

It may use the clock for the first value, but subsequent values are
calculated mathematically using a process (documented in Knolwedge Base)
that approximates randomness in many ways.

Jerry

Serkan Gur wrote:

It uses the timer in the PC as its base, believes the time
elapsed since the PC was turned on is random enough.



-----Original Message-----
How does the built in Random number function in Excel

work?

Is it truly random?