How to run a fair chore rota
- List every chore that needs doing this week.
- Keep Elimination mode on, so each chore is handed out once.
- Each person spins in turn and takes the chore it lands on.
- When the wheel is empty, press Restore for next week.
Making chores fair (and fun)
- Weight tough jobs: "Clean bathroom*0.5" makes it come up less often for younger kids.
- Add a joker slice: "Free pass" or "Choose any chore".
- Reward streaks: finish every chore this week and spin the prize wheel!
- Share the link in the family or flat group chat so everyone can spin.
Chores by age
Every child is different, but this is a reasonable starting point for building a wheel that suits your household.
| Age | Chores to put on the wheel |
|---|---|
| 3 to 5 | Put toys away, match socks, help feed a pet, wipe the table |
| 6 to 8 | Make the bed, set the table, water plants, tidy their room |
| 9 to 11 | Vacuum, load the dishwasher, take out recycling, fold laundry |
| 12 and up | Clean the bathroom, cook a simple meal, mow the lawn, wash the car |
With a wide age gap, make one wheel per age group instead of one for everybody. Nobody ends up with a job that is too hard or too easy.
Three ways to run a chore wheel
- Chores on the wheel: each person spins and takes the job it lands on. This is the default set-up here.
- Names on the wheel: read out a chore, then spin the Random Name Picker to see who does it. Better when there are more people than jobs.
- Points version: give each chore a value, such as 1 for watering plants and 3 for the bathroom. People keep spinning until everyone has roughly the same total.
Roommates and shared houses
In a shared house the problem is rarely who does what. It is that the heavy jobs keep landing on the same person. Split the chores into two wheels, one for big jobs such as the bathroom and kitchen and one for small jobs such as bins and plants, and have everyone spin once on each.
Agree two rules before the first spin: swaps are allowed if both people agree, and the result stands for the full week. Post the outcome in the house group chat so there is no doubt later.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make it fair when some chores are bigger than others?
Use two wheels, one for big jobs and one for small jobs, and have each person spin once on both. Everyone ends up with one heavy chore and one light one.
How often should we spin the chore wheel?
Once a week suits most households. Spin on the same day each week, and press Restore first so every chore is back on the wheel.
How do I stop the same chore being picked twice?
The chore wheel starts in Elimination mode, which removes each chore once it is assigned. Press Restore to refill the wheel.
Can I use the chore wheel with roommates?
Yes. Click the Share button and send the link to your roommates. It opens with the same chores on any device.