MS Access Rnd() Function
The Rnd() function in MS Access generates pseudo-random numbers. These are numbers that appear random but are actually determined by a mathematical algorithm. They're useful for simulations, generating test data, or adding an element of randomness to your applications.
Rnd(): Definition and Usage
It's crucial to understand that Rnd(), by itself, might produce the same "random" number repeatedly if you don't first use the Randomize() function to seed the random number generator. Randomize() initializes the generator with a more unpredictable value, making the results of subsequent Rnd() calls more varied.
Syntax and Parameter Values
The syntax for Rnd() depends on whether you want a random number between 0 (inclusive) and 1 (exclusive) or a random number within a specific range:
Syntax
-- For a random number between 0 (inclusive) and 1 (exclusive):
Rnd
-- For a random integer between lowerbound and upperbound (inclusive):
Int((upperbound - lowerbound + 1) * Rnd + lowerbound)
Examples
Generating Random Numbers in Specific Ranges
This example generates one random integer between 1 and 10 and another between 100 and 499.
Syntax
SELECT
Int((10 - 1 + 1) * Rnd + 1) AS RandNumBetween1and10,
Int((499 - 100 + 1) * Rnd + 100) AS RandNumBetween100and499;
Output
RandNumBetween1and10 | RandNumBetween100and499
---------------------------------------------
(A random number 1-10) | (A random number 100-499)