A fair way to pick a random name
Picking names out of a hat is slow, and picking someone yourself always looks like favouritism. The random name picker wheel solves both problems: everyone can see their name on the wheel, everyone watches it spin, and the result is decided by a cryptographically secure random number generator.
Paste names straight from a spreadsheet, class list, Google Form or chat. Each line becomes one slice. Use the Remove duplicates button to clean up lists where people entered twice.
Tips for teachers
- Switch to Elimination mode so every student gets a turn before anyone is picked twice.
- Use full-screen mode on the projector for maximum suspense.
- Save a wheel for each class by bookmarking its share link.
- Use the Results tab to see who has already answered today.
- Try the Team Picker to split the class into random groups in one click.
Running a giveaway or raffle
Paste every entrant's name, then spin live on stream or record your screen for proof. If someone bought several raffle tickets, write their name as "Sam*3" to give them three times the chance, or simply list them three times. After the draw, use Share result to post a winner graphic to social media.
Which mode should you use?
| Situation | Mode | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| One winner from a list | Normal | Every name stays on the wheel for the next spin |
| Everyone gets exactly one turn | Elimination | Each picked name is removed until you press Restore |
| Several rounds, most wins takes it | Tally | Counts how many times each name has won |
| Some people have more entries | Weights | "Sam*3" gives Sam a slice three times the size |
Picking more than one name
To draw several winners, switch to Elimination mode and spin once per winner. Each name leaves the wheel as it is picked, so the second spin chooses from everyone who is left. The Results tab keeps the order, which gives you first, second and third place, or a winner and two reserves, without writing anything down.
If you need whole groups rather than individuals, the Team Picker splits the entire list into teams in one click.
Keeping a list of names private
The names you paste are kept in your own browser so the wheel is still there next time. They are not uploaded to us. A share link is different: the names travel inside the link itself, so anyone who has the link can read the list.
For a class or a team, first names or initials are usually enough. To wipe a list from the device, clear the Entries box or clear your browser data for this site. Teachers will find more ideas in 14 ways to use a random name picker in the classroom.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pick more than one winner?
Yes. Use Elimination mode and spin once for each winner. Every picked name is removed, so nobody can win twice, and the Results tab lists the winners in order.
Are the names I enter uploaded anywhere?
No. Names are stored only in your own browser. They are included in a share link if you create one, so only send that link to people who should see the list.
How do I pick a random name without repeats?
Choose Elimination mode. Each picked name is removed from the wheel automatically, so nobody is chosen twice until you press Restore.
Can I paste names from Excel or Google Sheets?
Yes. Copy a column of names and paste it into the Entries box. Each row becomes one slice on the wheel.
Is the random name picker fair?
Yes. Each name has an equal chance (unless you add weights), and results come from your browser's cryptographically secure random generator.
How many names can the wheel hold?
Hundreds. Names are shown on the slices for up to 400 entries, and the winner is always shown in the result popup.