Random function (MDX)

The Random function returns a random number that is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1. Once the random value is seeded, every time the function is called, the same value is returned for the same seed.

Returns: A number.

Syntax

Read syntax diagramSkip visual syntax diagram Random(NumericExpression )

Parameters

NumericExpression
Specifies the number that is to be used as a seed for the function.
  • If a seed is provided, the function returns a random number that is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1. The seed is associated with the generated random number. The function returns the same random number for the same seed.
  • If a seed is not provided, the function returns a random number that is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1.

Description

You can specify a number as a seed for the Random function. The first time a seed is specified, it is associated with the generated random number. If the same seed is used again, no matter how many times it has been used, the same number is generated.

When you have result set caching enabled, the returned random number will be cached. If you run the same query again before the result set cache is cleared, the cached random number is returned.

Example

This example uses the Random function to return a random number.

Query:

WITH MEMBER [Measures].[random value] as RANDOM() 

SELECT {[Measures].[random value]} 

ON COLUMNS

FROM [Price Analysis]

Related functions

The Rand function is a synonym for the Random function.