As influencing factors of genesis and progression in several types of human tumor, microRNAs (miRs) serves roles in the regulation of tumor cell viability, migration, and apoptosis. The present research aimed to investigate the association between the function of miR‑100‑5p and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). miR‑100‑5p expression was determined in RCC tissue and paired normal tissue samples using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To assess the effects of miR‑100‑5p on cell viability, migration and apoptosis, multiple methods were used, including scratch wound assays, MTT assays, and flow cytometry. It was demonstrated that miR‑100‑5p was significantly upregulated in RCC tissue compared with in normal adjacent tissue samples. Furthermore, the viability and migration of 786‑O and, ACHN cells tranfected with miR‑100‑5p was significantly increased compared with the negative control group. In addition, miR‑100‑5p‑transfected 786‑O and ACHN cells demonstrated significantly reduced cellular apoptotic rates compared with the negative control group. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to report an association between miR‑100‑5p and RCC. The results of the current study suggest that tumor oncogene miR‑100‑5p could be used as a diagnostic biomarker for RCC.