PHP rand() Function

The PHP rand() function returns a pseudo-random integer. If it is called without optional min, max arguments then it returns a pseudo-random integer between 0 and getrandmax(). When min and max arguments are used, then it returns a pseudo-random integer between min and max (inclusive).

Syntax

rand(min, max)

Parameters

Return Value

Returns a pseudo random value between min (or 0) and max (or getrandmax(), inclusive).

Example:

In the example below, rand() function is used to generate pseudo-random values.

<?php
//generate 10 pseudo-random value
//between 0 and getrandmax()
for ($i = 1; $i <= 10; $i++) {
  echo rand()."\n";
}
?>

The output of the above code will be:

2089010510
540632205
943019554
1854127608
222684842
1623604850
2043804792
183230485
1293588279
1376642470

Example:

Consider one more example where optional parameters are used to generate pseudo-random values in a given range.

<?php
//generate 10 pseudo-random value
//between 50 and 100
for ($i = 1; $i <= 10; $i++) {
  echo rand(50, 100)."\n";
}
?>

The output of the above code will be:

87
90
57
70
55
97
75
83
92
96