- Home
- Random name picker
Random name picker
Paste your list and draw one name or several. Drawn names can step aside, so everyone gets a turn.
16 of 16 names left in the draw
SpacedrawRresetFfull screen
Names you draw are listed here in order.
How to use the name picker
- Paste your names in the box, one per line. Lists from a spreadsheet column paste in exactly like that.
- Choose how many names to draw at once, from 1 to 20.
- Press Draw or the Space bar. A reel rolls through the names and stops on each one picked.
- See everyone drawn so far, in order, under the Drawn tab. Press Reset draw to put everyone back in.
Everyone gets a turn
With “Take drawn names out of the draw” switched on (the default), a name that has been picked steps aside until you reset, so nobody is picked twice before everyone has been picked once. Turn it off and every draw is from the full list again.
When you draw several names at once they are always different people. If your list has two people with the same name, write them as, say, “Sam K.” and “Sam L.” so you can tell them apart.
Good uses
- Classrooms: pick who reads next, who answers, or the order of presentations; the Drawn list keeps the order.
- Raffles and giveaways: draw one winner, or three winners and a runner-up at once.
- Meetings: pick who speaks first at stand-up, or who takes notes this week.
- Secret tasks: draw names in front of the group so everyone sees it is fair.
Fair, private and quick
Names are drawn with your browser’s cryptographic random number generator, which gives every remaining name the same chance. Everything happens in your browser. Your lists are saved on this device only, and nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else. Use Share link to send the same list to someone else.
For prize draws regulated by law, you may need a certified or supervised draw; check your local rules.
Questions and answers
How does the random name picker choose?
It picks with your browser’s cryptographic random number generator. Every name still in the draw has exactly the same chance, and names drawn together are always different.
Can I draw more than one name at a time?
Yes, up to 20 at once. Each gets its own reel, numbered in the order drawn.
Can the same person be picked twice?
Not while “Take drawn names out of the draw” is on: drawn names wait until you press Reset draw. Switch it off if you want every draw to use the whole list.
Is there a limit to how many names I can paste?
The picker comfortably handles thousands of names. Very long lists are fine for drawing; the reel just shows a sample of names as it rolls.
Are my names stored anywhere?
Only in this browser, so your list is still there next time. They are never uploaded. A share link carries the list inside the link, so only send it to people who may see the names.
Should I use the wheel or the name picker?
Both are equally fair. The wheel is more of a show and great on a projector; the name picker is quicker for long lists and for drawing several names at once.