Python Generate Random Numbers Example

This beginner-friendly example shows how to generate random numbers in Python with the random module.

You will learn:

How to import the random module
How to generate one random integer
How to generate several random numbers in a loop
How randint() differs from other random functions

If you want the shortest working example, start here:

import random

number = random.randint(1, 10)
print(number)

Use random.randint(start, end) to get a random integer between both numbers, including the endpoints.

What this example shows

This example focuses on the most common beginner use cases:

Importing the random module before using it
Generating a single random whole number
Repeating that process several times with a loop
Understanding when to use randint(), random(), randrange(), and uniform()

If you are new to the module, see the Python random module overview.

Basic example: one random integer

Use import random first. Then call random.randint(1, 10).

import random

number = random.randint(1, 10)
print(number)

How it works

import random makes the module available
random.randint(1, 10) returns a whole number
Both 1 and 10 can be returned
print(number) shows the result

This is a good first example because it is short and easy to test.

If you want a full explanation of this function, see random.randint() explained.

Generate multiple random numbers

You can use a for loop to generate several values.

import random

for i in range(5):
    number = random.randint(1, 10)
    print(number)

What this does

range(5) repeats the loop 5 times
Each loop generates a new random integer
The output is usually different each time

If loops are still new to you, read Python for loops explained and Python range() function explained.

You can also store the values in a list if you want to use them later:

import random

numbers = []

for i in range(5):
    numbers.append(random.randint(1, 10))

print(numbers)

This is useful for:

Simple games
Test values
Sample data
Practice projects

You can also write the same idea with a list comprehension:

import random

numbers = [random.randint(1, 10) for _ in range(5)]
print(numbers)

Other common random number options

randint() is not the only useful function in the random module.

`random.random()`

This returns a decimal number from 0 up to 1.

import random

number = random.random()
print(number)

Example output:

0.3478215941

`random.randrange(start, stop)`

This is similar to how range() works.

import random

number = random.randrange(1, 10)
print(number)

Important:

1 can be returned
10 is not included

So randrange(1, 10) can return numbers from 1 to 9.

`random.uniform(a, b)`

This returns a random decimal number in a range.

import random

number = random.uniform(1, 10)
print(number)

Example output:

6.284193204

Expected output

Random output changes each time you run the program. That is normal.

For this code:

import random

print(random.randint(1, 10))

You might see:

Or:

Each run can produce a different result, and that is expected behavior.

Common beginner mistakes

Here are some common problems when generating random numbers in Python.

Forgetting to import `random`

This causes a NameError.

number = random.randint(1, 10)
print(number)

Fix it by adding the import:

import random

number = random.randint(1, 10)
print(number)

If you see this error, read NameError: name is not defined.

Using `randint()` without the module name

If you write import random, you must call the function with random. in front:

import random

number = random.randint(1, 10)
print(number)

This will not work:

import random

number = randint(1, 10)
print(number)

Confusing `randint()` and `randrange()`

These two functions are similar, but they do not handle the end value the same way.

random.randint(1, 10) returns 1 through 10
random.randrange(1, 10) returns 1 through 9

Expecting the same result every time

Random functions usually produce different results on each run. That is the point of using them.

Naming your file `random.py`

If your script is named random.py, Python may try to import your file instead of the standard library module. This can cause strange errors such as an AttributeError.

Rename the file to something else, such as:

generate_numbers.py
random_example.py
test_random_values.py

Using float values with functions that expect integers

randint() and randrange() are meant for integer ranges.

This is not correct:

import random

number = random.randint(1.5, 10.5)
print(number)

Use integers with randint(), or use uniform() for decimal values.

When to use this

Generating random numbers is useful in many beginner projects, including:

Picking a random number for a game
Creating test values
Choosing random positions or delays
Building practice projects

A common next step is a guessing game. Try this related example: Python number guessing game example.

FAQ

How do I generate a random number between 1 and 10 in Python?

Use random.randint(1, 10). This includes both 1 and 10.

import random

print(random.randint(1, 10))

Why do I get `NameError: name 'random' is not defined`?

You need to add import random before using random.randint() or other random functions.

import random

print(random.randint(1, 10))

What is the difference between `randint()` and `random()`?

randint() gives a whole number in a range
random() gives a decimal number between 0 and 1

Example:

import random

print(random.randint(1, 10))
print(random.random())

Can I generate several random numbers at once?

Yes. Use a loop or a list comprehension.

import random

numbers = [random.randint(1, 10) for _ in range(5)]
print(numbers)