Random Number Generator

Random number generator for picking a number between two values

A random number generator helps you pick a fair, unpredictable number inside a range you choose. The most common real world use is simple selection: you need one number (or a short list of numbers) for a game, a classroom activity, a giveaway, a drawing, or a quick decision where you want to avoid bias. Instead of debating or re rolling dice, you set a minimum and maximum and let the generator do the selection instantly.

This calculator is intentionally locked to whole numbers because that is what most people mean when they search for a random number generator. If you need decimals, weighted probabilities, cryptographic randomness, or shuffling a full list of names, this is the wrong tool. Here you get quick, practical output that matches typical “pick a number from X to Y” intent.

To use it, enter your minimum and maximum whole number. If you only need one result, leave the Advanced section alone and click Generate. If you need more than one number, open Advanced and set how many numbers you want. You can also choose Unique results to prevent repeats (useful for assigning different numbers to different people), and Sort results if you want the output in ascending order for easier reading or copying.

The result area shows your generated number or list first, then a short summary of what you asked for. That summary matters when you copy results into a message or a spreadsheet because it keeps your selection method transparent: the range used, how many outputs were produced, and whether repeats were allowed. If you choose Unique results, the calculator also checks that your range is big enough to support your requested quantity without forcing repeats.

Random selection is only “fair” if the range matches the decision you are making. If you are picking a winner number for a list of participants, your range should map cleanly to your list, for example 1 to 25 for 25 entries. If you accidentally use 1 to 26, someone could get an impossible number or a nonexistent slot. The calculator will not know what your list means, so you need to choose your range carefully.

For quick sanity checking, think about the number of possible outcomes. If your range is 1 to 10, there are 10 possible results. If you request 10 unique numbers from 1 to 10, you will get every number exactly once (in random order). If you request 11 unique numbers from 1 to 10, that is impossible, and the calculator will tell you to either expand the range or allow repeats.

Assumptions and how to use this calculator

• This tool generates whole numbers only. If you enter decimals, you should change them to whole numbers before generating results.
• The minimum and maximum are inclusive, meaning both endpoints can appear in the results.
• When “Unique results” is enabled, the calculator will block requests where the quantity is larger than the number of possible values in the range.
• When “Unique results” is disabled, repeats are allowed, and the same number may appear more than once in a multi number list.
• Sorting is applied after generation. Sorting does not change the randomness of what was generated; it only changes how the list is displayed.

Common questions

Is the minimum and maximum included in the results?

Yes. If your range is 5 to 12, both 5 and 12 are possible outputs. This matches how most people interpret “between two numbers” for random selection tasks.

Why can’t I generate more unique numbers than my range allows?

Unique results means no repeats. If your range contains 20 possible values, the maximum number of unique outputs you can get in one run is 20. If you request more than that, the calculator cannot complete the request without breaking the “unique” rule, so it asks you to expand the range or allow repeats.

What should I use for a giveaway or drawing?

Use a range that matches the number of valid entries, then generate one number. For example, if you have 73 entries, use 1 to 73 and generate 1 number. If you need multiple winners with no duplicates, set the quantity to the number of winners and enable Unique results.

Does sorting affect the randomness?

No. Sorting only rearranges the display order after the numbers are generated. If you want to preserve the original random order, leave sorting off.

Why does the calculator reject decimals or strange formatting?

This page is designed for whole number selection. Decimals introduce a different intent and different expectations. If you need decimal ranges, you should use a dedicated random decimal generator so the input rules and outputs match that use case.