Random Number Generator
Generate random numbers within a specified range.
In a digital world governed by predictable algorithms, true randomness is a rare commodity. Our Random Number Generator allows you to instantly produce unpredictable numbers within any range you define. Whether you are running a lottery, selecting a contest winner, simulating scientific models, or simply needing a tie-breaker for board games, this tool provides unbiased results in a split second.
Settings
Generated Numbers
Frequently Asked Questions
True vs. Pseudo-Randomness
Randomness is a fascinating and complex concept in computing. In the physical world, flipping a coin or rolling a die produces "true" randomness because the outcome depends on chaotic physical forces. Computers, however, are deterministic machines—they follow rigid instructions. So how do they generate random numbers?
1. The Difference
- Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNGs): Most applications (like video games, simulations, or this simple tool) use algorithms that produce a sequence of numbers that look random but are actually determined by a starting "seed" value (often the current time in milliseconds). If you knew the seed and the algorithm, you could predict every number.
- True Random Number Generators (TRNGs): These are used in high-security cryptography. They rely on unpredictable physical phenomena, such as atmospheric noise, thermal noise from a CPU, or radioactive decay, to generate numbers that are theoretically impossible to predict.
2. Common Uses
- Gaming: Calculating drop rates for items or damage rolls.
- Sampling: Selecting a random group of people for a survey to avoid bias.
- Cryptography: Generating secure keys for encryption.
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I predict the next number?
With this tool, practically no. While it uses JavaScript's `Math.random()` (a PRNG), the seed changes constantly, making it sufficient for any non-military application.
Q: Is it fair?
Yes. Over a large enough sample size, every number in your range has an equal probability of being selected (Uniform Distribution).