---
description: Returns a random int256 value, optionally of a given bit width
---

## `randomInt`

### Signature

```solidity
function randomInt() external view returns (int256);
function randomInt(uint256 bits) external view returns (int256);
```

### Description

Returns a random `int256` value from Foundry's internal RNG.

With `bits`, the returned value fits into a signed integer of the given bit width. Reverts if `bits > 256`.

The RNG is seeded randomly on each run unless a seed is set via [`setSeed`](/reference/cheatcodes/set-seed) or the `[fuzz] seed` setting in `foundry.toml`.

### Parameters

| Parameter | Type      | Description                             |
|-----------|-----------|-----------------------------------------|
| `bits`    | `uint256` | Maximum bit width of the result (≤ 256) |

### Returns

| Type     | Description      |
|----------|------------------|
| `int256` | The random value |

### Examples

```solidity [test/RandomInt.t.sol]
function testRandomInt() public view {
    int256 any = vm.randomInt();

    int256 small = vm.randomInt(8);
    assertGe(small, type(int8).min);
    assertLe(small, type(int8).max);
}
```

### Related Cheatcodes

- [`randomUint`](/reference/cheatcodes/random-uint) - Random `uint256`
- [`randomAddress`](/reference/cheatcodes/random-address) - Random `address`
- [`setSeed`](/reference/cheatcodes/set-seed) - Seed the RNG for deterministic results
