How to pick a random name
- Delete the sample names and paste your own list into the entries box, one name per line.
- Click Spin, or click the wheel.
- When the wheel stops, the chosen name appears in large text. Press Remove from wheel to take it out of the next draw, or Spin again to keep everyone in.
Ways to use a random name picker
- Calling on students: cold-calling feels fairer when the whole class can see the wheel decide. Put it on the projector in full-screen mode.
- Turn order: who presents first, who reads next, who gets the class job this week.
- Meetings: choose who leads stand-up, who takes notes or who shares their screen first.
- Giveaways and raffles: paste the entrants and draw winners live, removing each one so nobody wins twice.
- Secret tasks and roles: party games, book clubs and “who brings the snacks” rotations.
Tips for teachers
Save time by keeping one wheel per class. Paste the list once and the picker remembers it in your browser. If you teach several groups, press Share link to save each class as its own link and bookmark them.
Want to give some students a second chance? Add their name twice and their odds double. To split the class into groups instead of picking one person, use the random team generator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I pick a name without repeats?
After each spin, press "Remove from wheel" in the result window. That name is taken off the wheel, so every name is picked exactly once until the wheel is empty.
Can I paste names from Excel or Google Sheets?
Yes. Copy a column of names and paste it into the entries box. Each cell goes on its own line and becomes its own slice.
Will my class list be saved?
Your list is saved in your own browser on this device, so it's there next lesson. It's never uploaded to our servers.
How many names can the picker hold?
Up to 500 names, which is enough for a whole school year group or a big giveaway.
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