How to Generate Uniform Distribution with NumPy

Use numpy.random.uniform(low, high, size) to generate random numbers from a uniform distribution between low and high. The size parameter controls the shape of the output array.

Syntax

The function numpy.random.uniform(low=0.0, high=1.0, size=None) generates random numbers uniformly distributed between low and high.

• low: The lower boundary of the output interval (inclusive).
• high: The upper boundary of the output interval (inclusive).
• size: The shape of the output array. If None, returns a single float.

python

numpy.random.uniform(low=0.0, high=1.0, size=None)

Example

This example shows how to generate 5 random numbers between 10 and 20 using NumPy's uniform distribution.

python

import numpy as np

# Generate 5 random numbers between 10 and 20
random_numbers = np.random.uniform(low=10, high=20, size=5)
print(random_numbers)

Output

[13.45678901 19.23456789 10.12345678 15.98765432 11.34567890]

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using numpy.random.uniform include:

• Setting low greater than high, which causes an error.
• Forgetting that high is inclusive, so the output can reach high.
• Not specifying size when multiple values are needed, resulting in a single float instead of an array.

python

import numpy as np

# Wrong: low > high
# np.random.uniform(low=5, high=3, size=3)  # This will raise an error

# Right:
values = np.random.uniform(low=3, high=5, size=3)
print(values)

Output

[3.45678901 4.12345678 3.98765432]

Quick Reference

Parameter	Description	Default
low	Lower boundary of the output interval (inclusive)	0.0
high	Upper boundary of the output interval (inclusive)	1.0
size	Output shape; None returns a single float	None

Key Takeaways

Use numpy.random.uniform(low, high, size) to generate uniform random numbers.

The output interval is [low, high], including both low and high.

Specify size to get multiple random numbers as an array.

Ensure low is less than high to avoid errors.

Without size, the function returns a single float.