Lodash _.random() Method

Beginner
5 min read
Updated: Nov 2026
5 examples
Number
Decorative image with the word RANDOM

Definition

Produces a random number between the inclusive lower and upper bounds. Part of Lodash Number (stable since 0.7.0 — not deprecated). One argument → 0 to that number. If floating is true, or either bound is a float, you get a floating-point result. Note: JavaScript follows IEEE-754, so float results can look unexpected.

Pass the numbers shown below. Check bounds and return type before you use the result.

Syntax

Call _.random. Start with this line.

Lodash
_.random([lower=0], [upper=1], [floating])
CallWhat it does
_.random([lower=0], [upper=1], [floating])Primary signature.

Prefer import random from "lodash/random" when you want a smaller bundle.

Library declarations
Lodash
_.random([lower=0], [upper=1], [floating])

Parameters

ParameterDescription
lowerOptional. Inclusive lower bound (default 0)
upperOptional. Inclusive upper bound (default 1)
floatingOptional. Force a floating-point result

Return Value

Return ValueDescription
*The random number

Lodash Examples

Example 1 — Official: Inclusive Integer Range

Both bounds are inclusive integers.

Lodash
var samples = [];
for (var i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
  samples.push(_.random(0, 5));
}
console.log(samples.join(", "));
console.log(Number.isInteger(samples[0])); // true
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Call. _.random(0, 5) five times.
  2. Range. Each result is an integer from 0 to 5.
  3. Type. Number.isInteger confirms integers.
  4. Docs. Matches the official first example.

Example 2 — Official: One-Argument Form

A single number means “from 0 to that number.”

Lodash
var a = _.random(5);
var b = _.random(0, 5);

console.log(a); // integer 0..5
console.log(b); // also integer 0..5
console.log(Number.isInteger(a)); // true
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. One arg. _.random(5) sets upper to 5, lower to 0.
  2. Same range. Equivalent to _.random(0, 5).
  3. Integer. Both bounds are integers → integer result.
  4. Docs. Matches the official second example.

Example 3 — Official: Floating Flag

Pass true to force a float from integer-looking bounds.

Lodash
var n = _.random(5, true);

console.log(n); // e.g. 2.847...
console.log(Number.isInteger(n)); // false
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Flag. Second arg true means floating mode.
  2. Range. Value lies between 0 and 5.
  3. Type. Not an integer.
  4. Docs. Matches the official third example.

Example 4 — Official: Float Bounds

If either bound is a float, the result is a float.

Lodash
var n = _.random(1.2, 5.2);

console.log(n); // e.g. 3.41...
console.log(n >= 1.2 && n <= 5.2); // true
console.log(Number.isInteger(n)); // false
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Bounds. 1.2 and 5.2 are floats.
  2. Result. Lodash returns a floating-point number.
  3. Check. Value stays within the range.
  4. Docs. Matches the official fourth example.

Example 5 — Dice Roll (1–6)

A classic inclusive integer use case.

Lodash
function rollDie() {
  return _.random(1, 6);
}

console.log(rollDie()); // 1..6
console.log(rollDie()); // 1..6
console.log(_.inRange(rollDie(), 1, 7)); // true (end exclusive)
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Inclusive. 1 and 6 are both possible.
  2. Helper. rollDie wraps one call.
  3. Check. _.inRange(n, 1, 7) confirms 1..6.
  4. Use. Games, demos, shuffled picks — not secrets.
Compatibility

Browser & Runtime Support

_.random is a Lodash Number helper available since 0.7.0. It runs anywhere Lodash runs — modern browsers (via CDN or bundle) and Node.js / Bun / Deno with npm install lodash. It depends on the host Math.random implementation.

✓ Stable · Lodash 4.x

_.random()

Available in [email protected] full builds and the lodash/random modular import. Works in evergreen browsers and current Node LTS when Lodash is installed.

100% With Lodash 4.x
Google Chrome Supported · Desktop & Mobile
Full support
Mozilla Firefox Supported · Desktop & Mobile
Full support
Apple Safari Supported · macOS & iOS
Full support
Microsoft Edge Supported · Chromium
Full support
Internet Explorer No native support · Use a polyfill
Polyfill
Opera Supported · Modern versions
Full support
Samsung Internet Supported · Android
Full support
Bun Supported · JavaScript runtime
Supported
Deno Supported · JavaScript runtime
Supported
Node.js Supported · Server runtime
Supported
Android WebView Supported · Modern WebView
Full support
_.random Since 0.7.0

Bottom line: Safe for games and demos once Lodash is on the page. Prefer import random from "lodash/random" for smaller builds. Do not use for cryptographic secrets.

Frequently Asked Questions

_.random([lower=0], [upper=1], [floating]) produces a random number between the inclusive lower and upper bounds. Official: _.random(0, 5) → an integer between 0 and 5.
Yes. Both lower and upper are inclusive for integers — _.random(1, 6) can return 1 or 6.
When floating is true, or when either bound is already a float. Otherwise two integer bounds yield an integer.
One numeric argument is treated as upper with lower = 0. So _.random(5) is also an integer between 0 and 5.
No. It uses Math.random under the hood — fine for games and demos, not for tokens or keys. Use the Web Crypto API or Node crypto instead.
Use import random from "lodash/random" or require("lodash/random") so bundlers can tree-shake. Full build: import _ from "lodash" then _.random.

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About the author

Mari Selvan M P
Mari Selvan M P 🔗

Developer, cloud engineer, and technical writer

  • Experience 12 years building web and cloud systems
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I write practical tutorials so students and working developers can learn by doing—from databases and APIs to deployment on AWS.

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