# Generate Random Numbers in PHP

To create random numbers in PHP, you can use the rand() function call, which takes either zero or, optionally, two parameters determining the minimum and maximum random numbers (inclusive) that you’d like. If you don’t specify a maximum then it will default to a value, RAND_MAX, set in the PHP configuration. The function returns an integer, generated “randomly.” (Computers can’t generate real random numbers, but this tries and is suitable for most purposes.)

You can get the value of RAND_MAX with the function getrandmax(). Then if you desire a random number larger than that, you have to specify the min and max bounds as parameters, eg rand(0, 100000) will return a random number between 0 and 100000 inclusive - so both 0 and 100000 can be returned.

For example:

The output shown in the comments above is as an example. Since it is generating random numbers, the numbers generated are very likely to be be different every time.

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