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Random name picker

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Names are shuffled with your browser's secure random generator, so every order is equally likely. Blank lines are ignored and a name entered twice gets two chances. Nothing is stored or sent.

I want to

Result

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Drawing names and teams fairly

Picking someone by hand invites arguments. A random draw settles who presents first, who wins the prize or who ends up on which side, and everyone can see that nobody chose.

Paste a list with one name per line. Blank lines are skipped. To draw winners, choose how many and the tool shows them in draw order, so the first name can take first prize. With 8 names and 1 winner, each person has a 12.5% chance.

For teams, the whole list is shuffled and then dealt out like cards. Eight names into three teams gives teams of 3, 3 and 2, never 4, 2 and 2. If skill levels matter, you may still want to swap one or two players afterwards.

The shuffle uses the Fisher-Yates method with your browser's secure random generator, which makes every order equally likely. Nothing is saved, so take a screenshot of the result if you need a record.

Sources

What this calculator does not account for

  • Duplicate names, which get extra chances.
  • Balancing teams by skill.
  • A saved record of the draw.

How this is calculated

Formula: Fair draws

chance of being picked =winners ÷ names

What the symbols mean

  • winnersHow many names you draw.
  • namesLines in the list, blank lines ignored.

Good to know

  • Teams are dealt in turn from a shuffled list, so sizes differ by at most one.

Read the full methodologyFound an error? Contact us

Worked examples

Each example is worked out by the same code as the calculator above.

8 names, pick 1

Each name has a 12.5% chance.

8 names into 3 teams

Teams of 3, 3 and 2.

Embed this calculator

The frame shows the tool only.

<iframe src="/embed/random-name-picker" title="Name picker" width="100%" height="720" style="border:0;max-width:42rem" loading="lazy"></iframe>

Questions

How do I pick a random winner from a list?

Paste the names one per line, leave How many to pick at 1 and read the winner. Tap Generate again to draw again.

How do I make random teams?

Choose Make teams and enter the number of teams. Everyone is shuffled and dealt out in turn, so team sizes differ by at most one.

What if a name is in the list twice?

It gets two chances, as if it were on two tickets. Remove duplicates first if each person should have one entry.

Is the draw fair?

Yes. The list is shuffled with the Fisher-Yates method using your browser's secure random generator, so every order is equally likely.

Can I use it for a giveaway?

Yes, for informal ones. Record your screen or take a screenshot so entrants can see the draw. Check local rules for prize draws.