> OctoPerf load testing - Random variable documentation page. Configure a random variable.

Source: https://api.octoperf.com/doc/design/edit-virtual-user/configuration/variables/random/

# Random Variable Configuration

![Random Variable](https://api.octoperf.com/doc/design/edit-virtual-user/configuration/variables/img/random-variable.png "Random Variable"){ align=left }

The Random Variable is used to generate random numeric strings. 

!!! note
    A click on the blue variable name in the **Usage** section will copy it to the clipboard.

It is randomized on every virtual user iteration, making it a good choice for a random value that needs to be consistent for a whole loop/iteration. 

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!!! warning
    If you need a value that changes every time you use, try instead with the [${__random(...)} function](https://api.octoperf.com/doc/design/edit-virtual-user/functions/#__random).

For each Random Variable, you can edit:

| Property name  | Description |
|----------------| --- |
| Name           | The variable name. To inject it, use the `${...}` syntax. |
| Description    | The variable description text. |
| Minimum Value  | The Random Variable range lower bound. |
| Maximum Value  | The Random Variable range upper bound. |
| Output Format  | The output format of the generated value. Leave blank for a simple number output. It uses the [java.text.DecimalFormat](https://docs.oracle.com/javase/7/docs/api/java/text/DecimalFormat.html). For example `000` generates numbers with at least 3 digits, and `USER_000` generates output of the form _USER_nnn_. |