A name picker that gives everyone a fair go
A random name picker decides who is next without anyone choosing: who answers, who reads, who wins the raffle. Paste in the names, one per line, and spin. For a class, save the roll once and use it every lesson, untick whoever is away today, and switch on a fair go so everyone is picked before anyone is picked twice.
How to pick a random name
- Paste the names, one per line, or choose a saved class.
- For a class, untick anyone who is away today.
- Switch on a fair go so everyone has a turn before anyone goes twice.
- Spin. Hide the picked name from the wheel, or leave it on for the next spin.
Ways to use the name picker
- Choosing who answers next in class.
- Drawing a raffle or giveaway winner.
- Deciding who goes first at sport or in a presentation.
- Handing out classroom monitor jobs fairly each week.
- Picking the next reader at book club or in a staff meeting.
More tools for the class
- Times tables wheel: a times tables game where the wheel picks who answers.
- Random team generator: split the same list into fair random teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the random name picker work?
Paste names, one per line, and spin the wheel: every name on it has the same chance. The picked name can come off the wheel for the next spin or stay on, and the list is kept in the browser for next time.
How do I give every student a fair go?
Switch on a fair go. Everyone is picked once before anyone is picked twice, and the round is remembered on the device even after the page is closed, so the next lesson carries on from the last.
Can I leave out students who are away?
With a saved class, untick the students who are away today and the wheel skips them. The roll clears itself the next day, so nobody is left out by mistake.
Are the names saved anywhere?
Names and classes stay in the browser on the device you use. Nothing is uploaded, and no account is needed.
How many names can the wheel hold?
Up to 100 names. With very long lists the slices get too thin for the names and the wheel shows the colours only, but every name still has an equal chance.