Random Number Generator

About This Tool

Generate random numbers within any range you choose, from simple coin-flip-style picks between 1 and 2 all the way up to complex lottery-range selections across thousands of values. This free random number generator produces one or many numbers at once, with full control over minimums, maximums, duplicates, and sorting. Pick a single number for a quick decision or generate batches of up to 1,000 values for statistical sampling, gaming, classroom activities, raffle drawings, or data analysis. Built-in presets cover the most common ranges: standard dice (1-6), tabletop gaming dice (1-20), and the classic 1-100 range. Every generation includes a full statistics panel showing sum, average, median, lowest, and highest values, so you can analyze your results without switching to a spreadsheet. Need unique numbers only? Disable duplicates to guarantee every generated value appears exactly once. Your data stays completely private and nothing is stored or shared. No signup, no limits, no waiting.

How to Use This Random Number Generator

Start by selecting a preset range or entering your own minimum and maximum values. The presets cover the most common use cases:

• Dice (1-6): Simulates a standard six-sided die roll
• D20 (1-20): Covers tabletop RPG twenty-sided die rolls
• 1-100: Classic range for percentage-based picks and general-purpose selection
• 1-1000: Extended range for raffles and larger pools

Set how many numbers you need (1 to 1,000), choose whether duplicates are allowed, and pick a sort order if you want the results organized. Click "Generate" and your numbers appear instantly in both a visual grid and a copyable text format.

The statistics panel below the results shows the sum, average, median, lowest, and highest values from each generation. Use the "Copy All" button to transfer the numbers to any other application.

Understanding True Randomness vs. Pseudorandom Numbers

Randomness in computing falls into two categories. True random number generators (TRNGs) pull entropy from unpredictable physical sources like atmospheric noise, radioactive decay, or thermal fluctuations. Pseudorandom number generators (PRNGs) use mathematical algorithms to produce sequences that appear random but are technically deterministic given the same seed value.

For everyday purposes such as games, raffles, classroom picks, and non-security applications, PRNGs are perfectly suitable. The sequences pass all standard statistical randomness tests and show no predictable patterns within practical usage.

If you need randomness for cryptographic purposes like password generation or encryption keys, dedicated cryptographic generators are the better choice. For everything else, including this tool, standard generation provides reliable, unbiased results suitable for fair selection.

Common Uses for Random Number Generators

Random number generators serve a wide variety of practical purposes across education, entertainment, research, and business:

• Raffle Drawings: Assign each participant a number and generate the winning pick. Disabling duplicates ensures no one wins twice.
• Classroom Activities: Teachers randomly select students for answers, assign groups, or determine presentation order.
• Board Games and RPGs: Simulate any dice roll without physical dice. Generate multiple rolls at once for faster gameplay.
• Statistical Sampling: Pull random samples from a numbered population for research surveys and quality control.
• Lottery Practice: Generate random lottery picks across any number range (e.g., 1-69 for Powerball).
• Decision Making: Assign numbers to options and let the generator choose. Removes bias from group decisions.
• Software Testing: Generate random test data, input values, or array indices for development and QA work.

Duplicates vs. Unique Numbers

The "Allow Duplicates" toggle changes how the generator selects numbers. With duplicates enabled, each pick is independent, meaning the same number can appear multiple times. This models real-world scenarios like rolling a die repeatedly or spinning a wheel, where every spin resets to the full range of possibilities.

With duplicates disabled, each number can only appear once in the results. This is ideal for picking raffle winners, creating unique test IDs, assigning non-repeating tasks, or selecting lottery numbers. The trade-off: the quantity of numbers you request cannot exceed the total range. Asking for 50 unique numbers between 1 and 30 is impossible since there are only 30 possible values.

The generator automatically warns you when the quantity exceeds the available range and prevents generation until you adjust the settings.

Reading the Statistics Panel

Every generation includes five summary statistics displayed below the results:

• Sum: The total of all generated numbers added together. Useful for games where you need a combined score or for verifying batch totals.
• Average (Mean): The sum divided by the count. For a uniform distribution between min and max, the average should approach (min + max) / 2 as you generate more numbers.
• Median: The middle value when all results are sorted. Less affected by extreme values than the average, giving a better sense of the "typical" number generated.
• Lowest: The smallest number in the generated set.
• Highest: The largest number in the generated set.

For large batches (100+ numbers), comparing the average to the theoretical midpoint of your range is a quick sanity check that the distribution is balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions