Random Name Picker

How to use the random name picker

1. Type or paste your names into the box, one name per line. You can copy a column straight from Excel or Google Sheets.
2. To choose winners, set how many you need and press Pick. The names shuffle on screen and then stop on the winners.
3. To make groups, set the number of teams and press Make teams. Everyone is shuffled and shared out as evenly as possible.
4. Tick Remove picked names if you are drawing several rounds and don't want anyone to win twice.

Your list is saved in your own browser, so it is still there next time you open the page.

Is it really random?

Yes. The picker uses your browser's cryptographically secure random number generator – the same kind of randomness used for security – and a proper shuffle, so every name has exactly the same chance. When you pick several winners, no name can be chosen twice in the same draw. If a name appears twice in your list, it gets two chances, which is useful when someone has earned an extra entry.

Ideas for teachers, hosts and teams

• Classroom: choose who answers the next question, who reads aloud, or who presents first – no more "pick me!" arguments.
• Group projects: split a class of 40 into 8 random groups of 5 in seconds.
• Giveaways and lucky draws: paste everyone who entered and pick 3 winners live on a video call or stream.
• Sports and games: make fair cricket or football teams at the park, or pair players for a tournament.
• Office: pick a Secret Santa order, a meeting note-taker, or who chooses the next team lunch.

Name picker or spinning wheel?

Both are fair. The name picker is better for long lists, for several winners at once, and for making teams. The Spin the Wheel tool is more exciting to watch for a single winner with a smaller list – great for live streams and classrooms.

Frequently asked questions