What the random list picker does
Paste any list – names, tasks, places, prizes – with one item per line. The tool can pick one or several items at random, or shuffle the whole list so every item lands in a new position. Each line has the same chance of being picked.
It's a quick, neutral way to settle who goes first, who wins or what happens next. Everything runs in your browser, and your list is never uploaded or saved on our server.
How to randomize a list
- Paste or type your list. Put one item on each line.
- Choose how many to pick. Pick a single winner or several at once.
- Turn on Remove picked items if you're drawing in rounds. Anything already picked is taken out, so it can't come up again.
- Press Pick to see your random choice.
- Or press Shuffle to mix up the whole list and get it back in a random order.
Ways to use a random name picker from a list
Classroom picks
Paste your class list and pick who answers next, who reads aloud or who presents first. Shuffle the whole list to set a fair presentation order for the week.
Giveaways and prize draws
Paste the names of everyone who entered and pick your winners. With Remove picked items on, the same person can't win two prizes.
Turn order and teams
Shuffle the players to decide who goes first in a game. To make two teams, shuffle the list and split it down the middle.
Chores and everyday choices
Who takes out the trash? Which restaurant tonight? Which movie genre for family night? Let the picker decide and save the debate.
Study and practice
Shuffle a list of vocabulary words, flash card topics or exam questions so you can't rely on remembering the order.
Meal and activity planning
Paste seven dinner ideas and shuffle them to plan the week, or list weekend activities and let the picker choose one. Short on ideas? Start with our dinner ideas.
Tips for fair picks
- Keep one item per line. Each line counts as one entry.
- Watch for duplicates. If a name appears twice, it has two chances. Clean your list first with alphabetize list and its remove duplicates option.
- Draw in rounds. Turn on Remove picked items, then press Pick once per prize, from the smallest to the biggest.
- Want a spinning wheel? The decision wheel takes 2 to 30 options and spins to a winner.
- Picking by number? Use the random number generator with No repeats.
- Only two options? A coin flip is the quickest way to decide.
Questions
How do I pick a random name from a list?
Paste your names with one per line, set the number to pick to one and press Pick. The winner is chosen at random from every line.
Can I pick more than one winner?
Yes. Choose how many items to pick and they are all drawn at once, each one different.
How do I shuffle a list?
Paste your list and press Shuffle. Every item stays in the list, but the order is completely random.
Is the random pick fair?
Yes. Each line has an equal chance of being picked. If an item appears on more than one line, it gets more than one chance.
Can I stop the same name being picked twice?
Turn on Remove picked items. Each picked item is taken out of the list, so it can't come up in the next draw.
Can teachers use it as a random name picker?
Yes. Paste your class list once, then press Pick whenever you need a volunteer. Turn on Remove picked items so every student gets a turn before anyone is picked twice.
Is my list uploaded or saved?
No. The list stays in your browser and is never sent to our server.
Last updated October 2, 2026