Random Name Picker & Group Maker — Free Classroom Wheel
Pick students fairly with our simple random name picker wheel (also known as a wheel of names or name wheel) and build balanced random groups in seconds. Paste a class list, click Apply Names, and press Space to spin. Works on any device, no sign-up required.
Add Student Names
Quick Add Sample Names
Selected:
Recent winners
Add Student Names
Quick Add Sample Names
Make Groups
Advanced options
Groups
Add names and create groups to see them here
Why Teachers Love Our Name Picker
Fair Selection
Truly random selection ensures every student gets equal opportunities to participate.
Instant Results
Add names and spin the wheel in seconds. No setup or registration required.
Smart Groups
Create balanced groups with different ability levels and learning styles.
Mobile Ready
Works perfectly on any device - use it on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Privacy-Friendly
Names and groups stay in your browser (local storage); nothing is sent to our servers.
One-Click Presets
Make pairs, trios, 4/5/6-person teams with built-in presets and a live size preview.
Perfect for Every Classroom Activity
Classroom Management
- Call on students randomly for questions
- Assign presentation order fairly
- Select volunteers for activities
- Choose students for special tasks
Group Activities
- Create study groups for projects
- Mix students for collaborative work
- Balance groups by ability level
- Ensure diverse group compositions
Games & Competitions
- Pick teams for classroom games
- Select contestants for quizzes
- Choose order for competitions
- Assign roles in group activities
Explore Lekktura's Tools
How to Use the Random Name Picker
1. Add Names
Paste or type student names — one per line — then click Apply Names.
2. Spin the Wheel
Press Spin (or Space) to select a random student with the wheel spinner.
3. Customize Options
Enable Remove winner automatically to avoid repeats, or allow repeats if you prefer.
Create Random Groups (Pairs, Trios, Teams)
Choose Group Size
Open Group Maker and choose By size (e.g., 2 for pairs, 3 for trios) or By count.
Balanced Distribution
Click Create Groups. Students are distributed evenly; group sizes differ by at most one.
Export Results
Use Shuffle, Copy (text), or CSV to export your groups.
Popular Ways to Use the Wheel
Classroom Activities
- Random student picker for Q&A and participation
- Reading order, presentation order, turn taking
- Random group generator for labs, centers, stations
- Pair generator for think-pair-share
School & Events
- Raffles and prize drawings (wheel spinner)
- Clubs and PD sessions — quick team formation
- Seating and breakout assignments
How Randomness Works
Uniform Algorithm
The wheel uses a uniform algorithm so each name has an equal probability on every spin.
No Repeats Option
Enable Remove winner automatically to guarantee no repeats within a round.
Independent Spins
With Allow repeats on, each spin is completely independent.
Random Group Generator for Classrooms
Group Size Control
Create balanced random groups by group size (pairs, trios, 4–6) or by number of groups.
Balanced Distribution
Students are distributed evenly using a balanced algorithm so group sizes differ by at most one.
Perfect for Learning
Ideal for labs, projects, and cooperative learning activities.
Accessibility & Privacy
Keyboard Support
Press Space to spin the wheel for full keyboard accessibility.
High Contrast Design
High-contrast pointer and strong color separation for segments.
Privacy-friendly
Names and groups stay in your browser (local storage); nothing is sent to our servers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the random name picker work?
Add student names and spin the wheel. The picker uses a uniform algorithm so every student has an equal chance on each spin.
Can I prevent the same student from being picked twice?
Yes. Turn on Remove winner automatically to avoid repeats within a round. With Allow repeats on, each spin is independent.
Can I make pairs or trios?
Open Group Maker → choose By size (2 for pairs, 3 for trios) or By count → Create Groups. Sizes differ by at most one.
Can I save or reuse my class lists?
Yes. Lists can be kept in your browser's local storage on this device. For full privacy you can clear the list any time.
Does it work on phones and Chromebooks?
Yes — the interface is responsive and optimized for classroom devices.
How many names can I add?
The tool comfortably handles typical class sizes (20–40 students) and can support much larger lists on modern browsers. If performance drops, split very large groups into two spins.
Can I paste names from a spreadsheet?
Yes. Copy a single column from Google Sheets or Excel and paste it—one name per line. Commas and semicolons are also supported.
Does the wheel always show the same number of slices as names?
Yes. The wheel dynamically renders one colored slice per name so the wheel of names matches your list exactly.
Is the selection truly random?
Yes. Each spin uses a uniform algorithm so every name has an equal chance. With Remove winner automatically on, picks are unique until all names are used.
Can I keep recent winners between sessions?
The Recent winners list resets on page reload to keep things simple and private. If you need a record, copy winners before refreshing.
Can I save multiple class lists?
You can keep a current list in your browser. For multiple classes, store each list in a note or doc and paste when needed (Class A, Class B, etc.).
Does the group maker create balanced groups?
Yes. Whether you choose By size or By count, the algorithm distributes students so group sizes differ by at most one.
What’s the difference between “By size” and “By count” in Group Maker?
By size asks for the number of students per group (e.g., 2 for pairs, 3 for trios). By count asks how many groups you want (e.g., 6 groups).
Can I export groups?
Yes. Use Copy to grab a text version or CSV to download a spreadsheet-ready file.
Does it support non-English names and emojis?
Yes. Names with accents, non-Latin characters, and emojis are supported as plain text.
Are there keyboard shortcuts?
Yes. Press Space to spin the wheel. (More shortcuts may be added in future updates.)
Which browsers and devices are supported?
Modern versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari on Chromebooks, iPads, laptops, and phones. If something feels slow, update your browser.
Can I customize colors or lock certain students together/apart?
Not yet. The focus is speed and fairness. If you need advanced constraints, create groups manually after exporting.
Is my data private?
Yes. Names and groups stay in your browser (local storage). Nothing is sent to our servers. Use Clear All if you’re on a shared device.