• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Curbal

Learn how to grow your business with your data and Power BI

  • Resources
    • DAX Glossary
    • Download Center
    • Template Apps
    • Data Stories Gallery
    • Solution Gallery
    • Learning Resources
  • Courses
    • Introduction to Power BI – FREE Online course
    • Power Query Online Training for Power BI
    • M Language Online Course: The unofficial and Practical Reference Guide
  • Blog
  • Shop
    • Courses
    • Swag
    • Template Apps
    • Donations
  • Cart
  • Register/ Log In
    • Become a Member
    • Log In
    • My account
    • My Courses
  • Contact
You are here: Home / CM Tooltip Glossary Pro+ / RAND

RAND

posted on April 19, 2018

« Back to Glossary Index

Syntax

RAND()

Tutorial with example

In this video I will show you how DAX RAND function works and also how to use it to break ties on the RANKX calculation to be able to create TOP X lists in Power BI.

Download example file:

Link to pbix file

Remarks

In Power Pivot workbooks, recalculation depends on various factors, including whether the workbook is set to Manual or Automatic recalculation mode, and whether data has been refreshed. This is different from Microsoft Excel, where you can control when RAND generates a new random number by turning off recalculation.

RAND and other volatile functions that do not have fixed values are not always recalculated. For example, execution of a query or filtering will usually not cause such functions to be re-evaluated. However, the results for these functions will be recalculated when the entire column is recalculated. These situations include refresh from an external data source or manual editing of data that causes re-evaluation of formulas that contain these functions.

Moreover, RAND is always recalculated if the function is used in the definition of a measure.

Also, in such contexts the RAND function cannot return a result of zero, to prevent errors such as division by zero.

This DAX function is not supported for use in DirectQuery mode.

Was this helpful?
[Total: 1   Average: 5/5]
See Also:
  • RANKX
  • UNICHAR
« Back to Index

Reader Interactions

Let us know your thoughts... Cancel reply

Footer CTA

Join our community of +20,000 professionals

Become a Member

Subscribe to YouTube

About us

Curbal AB
Kopparbergsvägen, 10
722 13 – Västerås
Sweden

OrgNo: 5569680852 | VAT: SE556968085201

 

Location:

© Copyright 2014-2021 · Curbal AB · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Refund Policy · Log In