---
name: "SDL_rand"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "libsdl3-doc"
version: "3.2.10+ds-1"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/SDL_rand"
---

# SDL\_rand(3)

Generate a pseudo-random number less than n for positive n

## NAME

SDL\_rand - Generate a pseudo-random number less than n for positive n

## HEADER FILE

Defined in SDL3/SDL\_stdinc.h

## SYNOPSIS

```
#include "SDL3/SDL.h"
```

**Sint32 SDL\_rand(Sint32 n);**

## DESCRIPTION

The method used is faster and of better quality than **rand()**%**n** . Odds are roughly 99.9% even for n = 1 million. Evenness is better for smaller n, and much worse as n gets bigger.

Example: to simulate a d6 use **SDL\_rand(6)**+**1** The +1 converts 0..5 to 1..6

If you want to generate a pseudo-random number in the full range of

**Sint32** , you should use: ( **Sint32** ) **SDL\_rand\_bits** ()

If you want reproducible output, be sure to initialize with

**SDL\_srand** () first.

There are no guarantees as to the quality of the random sequence produced, and this should not be used for security (cryptography, passwords) or where money is on the line (loot-boxes, casinos). There are many random number libraries available with different characteristics and you should pick one of those to meet any serious needs.

## FUNCTION PARAMETERS

- *n*

  the number of possible outcomes. n must be positive.

## RETURN VALUE

( **Sint32** ) Returns a random value in the range of \[0 .. n-1\].

## THREAD SAFETY

All calls should be made from a single thread

## AVAILABILITY

This function is available since SDL 3.2.0.

## SEE ALSO

**•**(3), [**SDL\_srand**(3)](/SDL_srand/3.md), **•**(3), [**SDL\_randf**(3)](/SDL_randf/3.md)