How to use the random name picker
- Paste names into the box, one per line, or straight from a spreadsheet column.
- Press Spin or the space bar; the wheel stops on a name at random.
- Leave 'No repeats' on so each name drops out until everyone has had a turn, or press Make groups to split the same list into teams.
Made for classrooms, works for anything
Teachers use it to call on students fairly, choose who presents first, or hand out jobs. It works just as well for raffles, deciding who does the dishes, or picking tonight's film. The "No repeats" setting is the difference from a plain wheel: once a name is picked it leaves the wheel until you start over, so nobody is picked twice while someone else is still waiting.
Tips
Paste a column straight from a spreadsheet; one name per line is all it needs. Use full screen on a projector and press the space bar to spin. The list stays on the device, so set it up once on the classroom computer.
Questions and answers
Is it really random?
Yes. The stopping point comes from the browser's random number generator, and every name on the wheel has the same chance. With 'No repeats' on, a name that has been picked is removed until you start over, so everyone gets a turn.
Are my students' names sent anywhere?
No. Names stay in your browser; nothing is uploaded. The 'Copy link' button puts the names into the link itself so you can open the same list on another device — share that link only with people who should see the names.
Will it remember my class list?
Yes, on the same device and browser. Use 'Copy link' to carry the list to the classroom computer.
Can I use it on a projector or smartboard?
Press 'Full screen'. The wheel fills the display and the space bar spins it.
How do I make teams?
Scroll down to 'Make groups': choose a number of groups or a group size and the same list is shuffled into teams. Press again for a new shuffle.
Free to use, runs in your browser, nothing uploaded. Last updated 2026-10-07. Made by HandyToolkits; questions to [email protected].