Random Name Picker
Paste a list, one name per line, and draw one or several winners.
How to pick a random name
- Add the names. Paste a class list, a list of entrants or any options, one per line.
- Choose how many. Draw one winner, or several at once for first, second and third place.
- Press Pick. The winners appear in large type, in the order they were drawn.
Switch on Remove picked names to take each winner off the list. The next draw then comes only from the names that are left, so everyone gets a turn before anyone is picked twice.
Where teachers and hosts use it
- Cold calling in class. Pick the next student to answer, with Remove switched on so the whole class gets a turn.
- Giveaways. Draw three winners at once from everyone who commented or signed up. No name can win twice in the same draw.
- Turn order. Set How many to the size of the group and you get a random order for presentations, games or a rota.
Prefer a visible spin? Paste the same list into the Wheel of Names.
Questions and answers
How does the random name picker choose?
It shuffles your list with the Fisher-Yates method, using your browser's cryptographic random numbers, and takes the first names. Every name has the same chance, and no name is picked twice in one draw.
Can I pick more than one name at once?
Yes. Set How many to the number of winners you need, for example three prize winners, and press Pick. You get that many different names in a random order.
How do I make sure nobody gets picked twice?
Switch on Remove picked names. Each winner is taken off the list, so the next pick comes only from the names that are left. This is handy for calling on every student once.
What happens with duplicate names?
Each line counts as one entry. Two students called Sam on two lines are two entries, and both can be picked in one draw.
Is my list saved?
Yes. Your list and settings are kept in your own browser, so they are still there next time. Nothing is uploaded.