Math.random() gives a number between 0 and 1 in JavaScript. It helps create random values for colors or other data. JavaScript added it to give you control over random behavior.
Table of Content
JavaScript Math.random() works in every browser. You can use it with loop or any function. It gives full freedom to create random actions in your code.
What Is Math.random() in JavaScript?
JavaScript Math.random() returns a decimal number. That number is always between 0 and less than 1.
It gives a new random result every time you call it. It does not take any arguments. You must combine it with other math functions to set a range or get whole numbers.
The syntax looks like this:
Math.random()- No parameters
- Returns a number from 0 (inclusive) to 1 (exclusive)
This function uses a built-in algorithm to create a pseudo-random value. It does not follow a pattern you can predict. The number you get will change on every run.
Use JavaScript Math.random() to pick a random item or create game actions.
Take this example:
let value = Math.random();
console.log(value);This runs Math.random and saves the result in a variable. The result is a decimal number. It will be different every time. The console shows the value. You can then use that value in other logic.
Examples of Math.random() in JavaScript
Get a random number between 0 and 1
let result = Math.random();
console.log(result);This calls Math.random one time. It returns a number from 0 up to but not including 1. This number will change each time you run the code. You can print it or use it in a condition.
Get a random number from 0 to 9
let result = Math.floor(Math.random() * 10);
console.log(result);This multiplies the random number by 10. Then it removes the decimal using Math.floor. It gives a whole number from 0 to 9. This is useful in games or loops.
Get a random number from 1 to 10
let result = Math.floor(Math.random() * 10) + 1;
console.log(result);This adds 1 to shift the range. Now the lowest number is 1 and the highest is 10. The formula changes the starting point of the result.
Pick a random item from an array
let items = ['red', 'blue', 'green'];
let result = items[Math.floor(Math.random() * items.length)];
console.log(result);This gets a random index between 0 and the last item in the array. Then it returns that item. It helps pick values without writing conditions.
Simulate a coin flip
let result = Math.random() < 0.5 ? 'heads' : 'tails';
console.log(result);This compares the random number to 0.5. If less, it returns ‘heads’. If not, it returns ‘tails’. It copies a real coin flip using only one line.
Create a random hex color
let color = '#' + Math.floor(Math.random() * 16777215).toString(16);
console.log(color);This creates a random number up to 16777215. It converts that to base-16. Then it adds a ‘#’ to match CSS color format. This gives a different color every time.
Browser and JavaScript Version Support
Compatibility Across Browsers
- Works in all modern browsers
- Runs in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera
- Does not need plugins or extra setup
Support in Older JavaScript Versions
- Available since the start of JavaScript
- Safe to use in any version
- Works the same in both old and new scripts
Math.random is part of the base Math object. You do not need to load anything. You can use it in all projects without problems.
Wrapping Up
In this article, you learned how JavaScript Math.random() works.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Math.random returns a number from 0 to less than 1
- It does not take any input
- It gives a different number each time
- Use it with Math.floor to get whole numbers
- Multiply to set a custom range
- Add values to shift the result
- Use it to pick from arrays
- Use conditions to return set outputs
- You can use it in games or UI events
- It works in all browsers and versions
