Random Number Generation Tool

R2026b

Interactive random number generation

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Description

The Random Number Generation tool generates a random sample from a specified probability distribution and displays the sample as a histogram. Use the tool to explore the effects of changing the parameters and sample size of the distribution.

Note: The Random Number Generation tool does not provide printing, code generation, or data import functionality in MATLAB® Online™.

Required Products

  • MATLAB

  • Statistics and Machine Learning Toolbox™

Random Number Generation tool

Open the Random Number Generation Tool

  • MATLAB command prompt: Enter randtool.

Examples

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This example shows how to use the Random Number Generation tool to generate random numbers from a probabiity distribution.

Open the Random Number Generation tool.

randtool

Random Number Generation tool

The tool displays a histogram plot of 100 random samples from the Normal distribution. The initial parameter settings are Mu = 0 and Sigma = 1.

Change the value of the mean parameter Mu by entering 1.

Histogram of a sample from a normal distribution with mean 1

When you change a parameter value, the tool draws a new sample from the probability distribution, and generates a new histogram plot.

Use the Distribution list to change the distribution type from Normal to Weibull.

Histogram of a sample from a Weibull distribution with mean 1

The tool changes the histogram plot and the names and values of the parameters.

Parameters

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Specify the probability distribution to explore by selecting a distribution name from the list. The list includes approximately 25 probability distribution options, including Normal, Exponential, Poisson, Weibull, and so on.

Specify the sample size as a positive integer.

Specify the parameter boundaries and values as numeric values. Each column contains a field for the upper bound, value, and lower bound of one parameter. The available parameters change based on the specified distribution. For example, if you select the Normal distribution, the tool enables a column for the Mu parameter and a column for the Sigma parameter. If you select the Exponential distribution, the tool enables a column for the Mu parameter only.

Tips

Start by selecting a distribution, and then enter the sample size. You can also:

  • Use the controls at the bottom of the window to set parameter values for the distribution and to change their upper and lower bounds.

  • Click the Resample button to generate another sample from the same distribution, with the same size and parameters.

  • Click the Export button to export the current sample to the workspace. Adjust the name of the workspace variable in the Export to Workspace dialog box, if necessary.

Version History

Introduced before R2006a

See Also

Apps

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