Random Name Picker — Fair & Instant
Paste your list of names below, one per line, choose how many to pick, and press the button. The picker chooses fairly at random - perfect for choosing who answers next, prize draws, or assigning a task nobody volunteers for.
Last updated: July 2026
How does the random picker work?
The picker shuffles your whole list with the Fisher–Yates shuffle — the standard fair-shuffle algorithm — then takes names from the top. Every name has exactly the same chance.
- Pick 1 for who answers the next question or wins the draw.
- Pick several for choosing a committee or duty roster — no name can be picked twice in one draw.
- Press the button again for a completely fresh draw.
Teacher tip: paste your class list once and keep the tab open — each press is a new fair draw, much faster than chits of paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the picker really fair?
Yes - it uses the Fisher-Yates shuffle, the same algorithm used in statistics software, so every name has an equal chance every time.
Can the same name be picked twice?
Not in a single draw - picking 3 from 20 gives 3 different names. Press the button again for a fresh draw where everyone is back in.
Is my class list uploaded anywhere?
No. The list stays in your browser and disappears when you close the page. Nothing is sent to any server.
How many names can I paste?
Hundreds - one per line. Blank lines and extra spaces are ignored automatically.