Contents
Python – Generate Random Float
We can generate a random floating point number in Python using Python random package.
In this tutorial, we shall learn how to generate a random floating point number in the range (0,1) and how to generate a floating point number in between specific minimum and maximum values.
Syntax of random.random()
Following is the syntax of random() function in random module.
f = random.random()
random() function returns a random floating point value in between zero and one.
Examples
1. Random Floating Point Number in the Range (0, 1)
In this example, we shall use random.random() function to generate a random floating point number between 0 and 1.
Python Program
import random
# Generate a random floating point number
f = random.random()
print(f)
Run Code CopyOutput
0.6156729963963723
2. Random Floting Point Number in the Range (min, max)
In this example, we shall use random.random() function to generate a random floating point number between a given minimum value and a maximum value.
Python Program
import random
# Specific range
min = 2
max = 10
# Generate a random floating point number
f = min + (max-min)*random.random()
print(f)
Run Code Copymin+ ensures that the generated random value has atleast a value of min. (max-min)*random.random() ensures that the value does not exceed the maximum limit.
Explanation
Let us understand the expression used to generate floating point number between a specific range.
f = min + (max-min)*random.random()
#random.random generates a value in the range (0, 1)
f = min + (max-min)*(0, 1)
Resulting Range = (min + (max-min)*0, min + (max-min)*1)
= (min + 0, min + max - min)
= (min, max)
Output
4.102801901668189
Summary
In this tutorial of Python Examples, we learned how to generate a random floating point number, with the help of well detailed example programs.