Build a Dice Simulator Using Arduino and Push Button – Full Guide with Code

Learn how to build a Dice Simulator using Arduino, LEDs, and a push button. Perfect beginner project with full code, circuit diagram, and detailed explanation.

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🎯 Introduction

What is a Dice Simulator?

A Dice Simulator is a digital version of a traditional six-faced dice. Instead of rolling a physical cube, you press a button and get a random number between 1 to 6 displayed using LEDs or other visual output methods.

What This Project Does

In this project, you’ll build a dice simulator that displays numbers from 1 to 6 using LEDs. When the push button is pressed, the Arduino generates a random number and lights up the corresponding LEDs in a pattern similar to dice pips.

Real-World Use Case

While it may seem basic, such simulations are widely used in:

• Board game companions
• Digital game prototypes
• Interactive learning kits
• Embedded system project demos

Skill Level & Expected Outcome

Skill Level: Beginner
You Will Learn:

• How to interface multiple LEDs
• Use of random() function in Arduino
• Button debouncing logic
• Modular coding practices

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🔩 Components Required

Component	Quantity	Description	Buy Link
Arduino Uno with cable	1	Main controller board	Buy on Elecsynergy
Push Button	1	To trigger the dice roll	Buy on Elecsynergy
5mm Red LEDs	7	To display dice numbers	Buy on Elecsynergy
220Ω Resistors	7	To limit current to LEDs	Buy on Elecsynergy
Breadboard	1	For prototyping circuit	Buy on Elecsynergy
Jumper Wires	As required	For connections	Buy on Elecsynergy

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📊 Circuit Diagram + Explanation

🛠 Diagram:

Wiring Guide:

• LEDs are arranged in a 2×3 grid + center dot.
• Connect all LED cathodes to GND via 220Ω resistors.
• Connect LED anodes to digital pins D2–D8.
• Push button connected to pin D9 with internal pull-up (INPUT_PULLUP).

LED Position	Arduino Pin
Top Left	D2
Top Right	D3
Middle Left	D4
Center	D5
Middle Right	D6
Bottom Left	D7
Bottom Right	D8
Button	D9

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🧾 Arduino Code

// Dice Simulator with Push Button and LEDs

const int buttonPin = 9;
int ledPins[] = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8};

void setup() {
  for (int i = 0; i < 7; i++) {
    pinMode(ledPins[i], OUTPUT);
    digitalWrite(ledPins[i], LOW);
  }
  pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT_PULLUP);
  Serial.begin(9600);
  randomSeed(analogRead(0)); // Random seed
}

void loop() {
  if (digitalRead(buttonPin) == LOW) {
    delay(200); // Debounce
    int dice = random(1, 7); // 1 to 6
    showDice(dice);
    Serial.print("Dice Rolled: ");
    Serial.println(dice);
  }
}

void showDice(int number) {
  for (int i = 0; i < 7; i++) {
    digitalWrite(ledPins[i], LOW);
  }

  switch (number) {
    case 1:
      digitalWrite(ledPins[4], HIGH); // center
      break;
    case 2:
      digitalWrite(ledPins[0], HIGH); // top left
      digitalWrite(ledPins[6], HIGH); // bottom right
      break;
    case 3:
      digitalWrite(ledPins[0], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[4], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[6], HIGH);
      break;
    case 4:
      digitalWrite(ledPins[0], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[1], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[5], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[6], HIGH);
      break;
    case 5:
      digitalWrite(ledPins[0], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[1], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[4], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[5], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[6], HIGH);
      break;
    case 6:
      digitalWrite(ledPins[0], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[1], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[2], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[5], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[6], HIGH);
      digitalWrite(ledPins[3], HIGH);
      break;
  }
}

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⚙️ Working Explanation

When you press the push button, the Arduino generates a random number between 1 and 6. Depending on this number, a specific pattern of LEDs lights up, simulating the pips of a traditional dice. The code includes debouncing logic to prevent accidental double-presses.

Each number corresponds to a different combination of LEDs, arranged as:

• 1: Center only
• 2: Top-left & bottom-right
• 3: Two above + center
• 4: All corners except center
• 5: Four corners + center
• 6: All except center

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🖼️ Output Preview / Demo

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🛠️ Troubleshooting & Tips

• Issue: LEDs not lighting
  Fix: Check resistors and pin mappings
• Issue: Dice number not changing
  Fix: Ensure randomSeed() is initialized
• Issue: Button press not detected
  Fix: Ensure you’re using INPUT_PULLUP and wiring correctly
• Use short delay after button press to prevent bouncing
• Label LEDs on breadboard for easy pin tracking

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💡 Project Expansion Ideas

Here are some exciting ways to take this project further:

• Add a 7-segment display instead of LEDs
• Use a buzzer to beep with each dice roll
• Add OLED display to show number graphically
• Introduce a rolling animation before final result
• Convert it into a two-player board game counter

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🔚 Conclusion

You’ve successfully built your own Arduino-powered Dice Simulator using basic electronics and programming logic. This project introduces critical embedded system concepts like random number generation, user input handling, and LED control—all wrapped up in a fun, engaging use case.

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• Share it with your friends
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🛍️ Buy Full Kit – Ready to Plug & Play

🎁 Want to skip the hassle of sourcing components?
✅ Buy the Complete Dice Simulator Kit from Elecsynergy