HotBits

HotBits: True Random Numbers

Free atmospheric noise-based number generator for cryptography, statistics, and more

What is HotBits?

HotBits is one of the original services for obtaining random numbers over the internet. It launched in 1996 and uses atmospheric noise to generate true random numbers, as opposed to pseudorandom numbers that many computer programs create.

Here's how it works: a radio attached to a computer samples background radiation noise across a large frequency spectrum. This data gets extracted into a raw randomness pool and then gets processed by HotBits' algorithms to remove any statistical bias. What's left is a string of random numbers.

You can request streams of random bits, integers, doubles, Gaussians, and even lottery quick picks. The numbers are delivered over HTTP or by an API. HotBits can generate up to 1GB of random numbers per month for free.

The true randomness makes HotBits useful for a variety of applications where high-quality randomness is important, such as:

• Computer simulations that rely on randomness
• Random sampling
• Cryptography and security-related algorithms
• Statistical analysis
• Gambling and lottery programs
• And any other application where non-predictability is important

HotBits is frequently used by engineers, developers, researchers, and hobbyists who value true randomness from an established, reliable source.

HotBits Features

Official Links