How to generate a random number in Java?
Jul 12, 2025 am 12:07 AMThere are four common ways to generate random numbers in Java. 1. Use Math.random() to quickly obtain floating point numbers of 0~1, which is suitable for simple scenarios but cannot control seeds; 2. Use the Random class to generate multiple types of random numbers and support setting seeds, suitable for scenarios that require repeated tests; 3. It is recommended to use ThreadLocalRandom in a multi-threaded environment, which has better performance and no need to create instances manually; 4. When security needs are involved, the SecureRandom class should be used to provide stronger randomness guarantees but slower speed.
Generating random numbers in Java is not difficult. It can be achieved through several common methods, depending on what your needs are. For example, whether you want an integer or a floating point number, whether you need to specify a range, whether you need to encrypt and secure random numbers, etc.

Let’s start from several common usage scenarios and see how to generate random numbers using different methods.
Use Math.random()
to quickly get a floating point number of 0~1
This is one of the easiest ways to suit scenarios where complex controls are not required. Math.random()
returns a double type value greater than or equal to 0.0 and less than 1.0.

double randomValue = Math.random();
If you want to generate a number in a specific range, such as a random floating point number between 1 and 10, you can do this:
double randomBetweenOneAndTen = Math.random() * 9 1;
The meaning of this formula is: first multiply by the range difference (10 - 1 = 9), and then add the minimum value (1).
If you want integers, you can do type conversion or rounding.

- Advantages: The writing method is simple and can be done in one line.
- Disadvantages: Poor flexibility, cannot directly control seeds, and is not suitable for scenarios where repeated tests are required.
Generate more flexible random numbers using Random
class
Java provides the java.util.Random
class, which can generate various types of random numbers, including int, double, boolean, etc., and supports setting seeds.
import java.util.Random; Random rand = new Random(); int randomInt = rand.nextInt(100); // Generate integer double randomDouble = rand.nextDouble(); // Float between 0.0 and 1.0
You can also specify the range:
int randomInRange = rand.nextInt(50) 20; // integer between 20 ~ 69
If you need repeatable random sequences (such as for testing), you can use a constructor with seed:
Random randWithSeed = new Random(12345);
Supports generation of boolean values, arrays, and even streaming data (Java 8)
More efficient in multi-threading environment using ThreadLocalRandom
If you are generating random numbers in a multithreaded program, it is recommended to use ThreadLocalRandom
, a tool class introduced in Java 7, which is specially optimized for concurrent environments.
import java.util.concurrent.ThreadLocalRandom; int randomInt = ThreadLocalRandom.current().nextInt(1, 101); // Include 1, excluding 101 double randomDouble = ThreadLocalRandom.current().nextDouble(0.0, 1.0);
- It avoids the problem of multiple threads scrambling for the same
Random
instance. - The interface is similar to
Random
, but has better performance. - There is no need to explicitly create an instance, just use
current()
method to get the instance of the current thread.
Small details supplement: Generate "real" safe random numbers
If your application involves cryptography or security-related logic, it is recommended to use SecureRandom
class:
import java.security.SecureRandom; SecureRandom secureRandom = new SecureRandom(); byte[] randomBytes = new byte[16]; secureRandom.nextBytes(randomBytes); // Fill int randomInt = secureRandom.nextInt(100);
- It is based on a stronger source of entropy and has higher security.
- The speed is slower than the regular
Random
, so it is only used when necessary.
Basically, these commonly used Java random number generation methods. Choose the appropriate method according to your usage scenario. For example, you can use Math.random()
for rapid prototype development, use Random
for general purposes, and use ThreadLocalRandom
for concurrent environments. If you have high security requirements, use SecureRandom
.
The above is the detailed content of How to generate a random number in Java?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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