Visual Basic Language Reference  

Randomize Statement

Initializes the random-number generator.

Randomize [ number ]

Part

number
Optional. An Object or any valid numeric expression.

Remarks

Randomize uses number to initialize the Rnd function's random-number generator, giving it a new seed value. If you omit number, the value returned by the system timer is used as the new seed value.

If Randomize is not used, the Rnd function (with no arguments) uses the same number as a seed the first time it is called, and thereafter uses the last-generated number as a seed value.

Note   To repeat sequences of random numbers, call Rnd with a negative argument immediately before using Randomize with a numeric argument. Using Randomize with the same value for number does not repeat the previous sequence.

Example

This example uses the Randomize statement to initialize the random-number generator. Because the number argument has been omitted, Randomize uses the return value from the Timer function as the new seed value.

Dim MyValue As Integer
Randomize   ' Initialize random-number generator.
MyValue = CInt(Int((6 * Rnd()) + 1)) ' Generate random value between 1 and 6.

See Also

Rnd Function