# `rand`

_Pick randomly_


```syntax
rand x   rand[x]
```


## Pick an item from a list

Where `x` is a **list** returns one item chosen randomly from `x`
```q
q)rand 1 30 45 32
32
q)rand("abc";"def";"ghi")  / list of lists
"ghi"
```


## Pick a value at random

Where `x` is an **atom** returns an atom of the same type.
```q
q)rand 100
10
q)rand each 20#6  /roll twenty 6-sided dice
2 5 4 5 1 0 5 2 4 5 1 2 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 5
q)rand 3.14159
1.277572
q)rand 2012.09.12
2008.02.04
q)rand `3
`afe
```

Right domain and range are as for [Roll and Deal](deal.md#generate).

> **Tip — Returns a single item**
>
>
> `rand` is exactly equivalent to `{first 1?x}`. 
> If you need a list result, use [Roll](deal.md). 
> The following expressions all roll a million six-sided dice.
>
>     q)\ts rand each 1000000#6
>     264 41166192
>     q)\ts {first 1?x}each 1000000#6
>     210 41166496
>     q)\ts 1000000?6                     / Roll
>     6 8388800
>
>
---

[Random seed](deal.md#seed)