Generate a random whole number from 1 to 3, for picking one of three options.
Press Generate for a random number between 1 and 3. Both ends are included and each of the 3 numbers has exactly a 1 in 3 chance.
Odds for numbers between 1 and 3
Possible numbers
3
Chance of any one number
1 in 3 (33.3%)
Chance of repeating the last number
1 in 3
Chance a given number appears at least once in 3 picks
70.4%
Average result over many picks
2
Even / odd numbers
1 even, 2 odd
The last-but-one row surprises many people: even with 3 picks, a particular number has a 29.6% chance of never coming up, because picks are independent.
What a 1–3 range is used for
A random number between 1 and 3 is handy for picking one of three options.
What are the odds of getting a specific number between 1 and 3?
Each number has a 1 in 3 chance (33.3%) on every pick.
Can the same number come up twice in a row?
Yes, if repeats are allowed: the chance of repeating the previous number is 1 in 3. Tick "No repeats" when picking several numbers to get all-different results.
Are 1 and 3 included?
Yes. Both ends are included, so there are 3 possible numbers.