How to generate random positive and negative numbers in Excel?
To generate only positive or negative numbers in Excel, you can follow the steps of this tutorial.
Generate random positive numbers
Generate random negative numbers
Generate random positive or negative numbers with Kutools for Excel 
Comparison of Methods for Generating Random Positive and Negative Numbers in Excel
To generate random positive or negative numbers in Excel, you can use built-in formulas such as RANDBETWEEN and RAND, or use Kutools for Excel's Insert Random Data feature. Both methods can generate random values within a specified range, but they differ in setup, flexibility, and duplicate control.
| Comparison | Excel Formulas | Kutools Insert Random Data |
|---|---|---|
| Positive / Negative numbers | Adjust the formula and its upper and lower limits for positive or negative values | Set positive, negative, or mixed positive and negative ranges directly in the dialog box |
| Integer / Decimal | Use RANDBETWEEN for integers and RAND-based formulas for decimals | Configure the required random data through the Insert Random Data dialog |
| Avoid duplicates | ✘ The formulas shown do not prevent duplicate values | ✔ Enable Unique Values to generate non-repeating values |
| Best for | Simple formula-based random numbers within a specified range | Quickly generating positive, negative, mixed, or unique random data in bulk |
Generate random positive numbers
Here I introduce you some formulas to randomize the positive numbers in Excel.
Randomize positive integer numbers
To randomize positive integer numbers, you can select a blank cell, and type =RANDBETWEEN(X,Y) (X and Y indicate any positive numbers, and X<Y), here I type =RANDBETWEEN(2,80), then press Enter key, you can drag the fill handle to the range you need.
Randomize positive decimal numbers
To randomize positive decimal numbers, you can use this formula =RAND()*(Y-X)+X (X and Y indicate any positive numbers, and X<Y), here, I type =RAND()*(66-12)+12 into a blank cell, then press Enter key, you can drag the fill handle to your needed range.
Then you can specify the decimals as your need by clicking Home tab, then clicking Increase Decimal button or Decrease Decimal button.
Generate random negative numbers
To generate random negative numbers, you also can use some formulas.
Randomize negative integer numbers
The formula =RANDBETWEEN(X,Y) also can insert negative integer numbers. (X and Y indicate any negative numbers, and X<Y), here, I type =RANDBETWEEN(-120,-20)into a blank cell and press Enter key, then if you need, you can drag the fill handle to fill a range.
Randomize negative decimal numbers
You can use this formula=RAND()*(X-Y)Y (X and Y indicate any negative numbers, and X<Y), here, I type generate =RAND()*(-80+30)-30 and press Enter key, if you need, you can drag the fill handle to apply the formula to a range.
Then you can specify the decimals as your need by clicking Home tab, then clicking Increase Decimal button or Decrease Decimal button.
Generate random positive or negative numbers with Kutools for Excel
With Kutools for Excel’s Insert Random Data, you can quickly generate random only positive or negative numbers in Excel.
After free installing Kutools for Excel, please do as below:
1. Select a range you need, and click Kutools > Insert > Insert Random Data.
2. In the Insert Random Data dialog, go to the Integer tab, type the random number series into From and To text boxes, if you need positive numbers, type both of positive numbers, if you need negative numbers, type both of negative numbers.
Tip: If you want the inserted random numbers are unique, you can check Unique values in the dialog.
3. Click Ok to exit the dialog.
With Kutools for Excel’s Insert Random Data feature, you also can insert random positive and negative numbers at once time.
Tip:
If you want to insert unique positive and negative values,just check the Unique Values box.
With Insert Random Data feature of Kutools for Excel, you can insert the random date, random string, and random custom list. Click here for more details about it.
Conclusion
Excel formulas are suitable for basic random number generation. RANDBETWEEN can generate positive or negative integers within specified limits, while RAND-based formulas can generate positive or negative decimal numbers. However, you need to use different formulas depending on the type of numbers required, and the formulas shown do not prevent duplicate values.
Kutools for Excel's Insert Random Data provides a more visual approach for generating random data in bulk. You can define the range directly in the dialog box to generate positive numbers, negative numbers, or both positive and negative numbers together. You can also enable Unique Values when non-repeating results are required, without constructing different formulas for each situation.
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