Generate Random Numbers

Random Numbers in MATLAB

This topic introduces random numbers in MATLAB^®.

Create Arrays of Random Numbers

Use rand, randi, randn, and randperm to create arrays of random numbers.

Random Numbers Within a Specific Range

This example shows how to create an array of random floating-point numbers that are drawn from a uniform distribution in a specific interval.

Random Integers

This example shows how to create an array of random integer values that are drawn from a discrete uniform distribution on a specific set of numbers.

Random Numbers from Normal Distribution with Specific Mean and Variance

This example shows how to create an array of random floating-point numbers that are drawn from a normal distribution having a specified mean and variance.

Random Numbers Within a Sphere

This example shows how to create random points within the volume of a sphere.

Why Do Random Numbers Repeat After Startup?

Avoid repetition of random number arrays when MATLAB restarts.

Replace Discouraged Syntaxes of rand and randn

Replace Discouraged Syntaxes of rand and randn.

Control Random Number Generation

Generate Random Numbers That Are Repeatable

This example shows how to repeat arrays of random numbers by specifying the seed first. Every time you initialize the generator using the same seed, you always get the same result.

Generate Random Numbers That Are Different

This example shows how to avoid repeating the same random number arrays when MATLAB restarts.

Control Multiple Streams or Substreams

Managing the Global Stream

This topic shows how to use the RandStream constructor to control random number generation.

Multiple Streams

This example uses RandStream to create multiple, independent random number streams.

Creating and Controlling a Random Number Stream

This topic uses RandStream to create random number streams and substreams.