How to use the name picker
- Clear the example names and paste yours into the options box, one per line. You can copy a column straight from a spreadsheet.
- Press Spin, tap the wheel, or press the space bar.
- The picked name shows in large type and leaves the wheel. Untick Remove the winner if names should be able to come up again.
Your list is saved in this browser, so your class list is still there next lesson.
For teachers
- Pick who answers next, who reads aloud, or who goes first.
- Use full screen on the classroom display so everyone can watch.
- Keep the results list as a record of who has had a turn.
- Split the class into groups by spinning one name at a time.
For giveaways and raffles
Paste every entrant, one per line, and spin. With Remove the winner on, you can draw first, second and third place in a row. To give someone more entries, add *2 or *3 after their name.
Is it fair?
Yes. With the 12 example names, each name has a 1 in 12 chance on the first spin, because every name gets an equal slice. Where the wheel stops is picked by your browser's cryptographic random number generator. Names are never sent anywhere: the list stays in your own browser.
Questions
How many names can I add?
Up to 1,000. With many names the labels get small, and the picked name shows in large type.
Can I stop names being removed?
Yes. Untick Remove the winner after each spin under the options box.
How do I put removed names back?
Press Put removed back under the options to return every removed name. Example loads the example names instead, and you can undo it for a few seconds.
Can I share the wheel with my class?
Yes. The link button copies a link that opens this exact wheel with your names in it. The names travel inside the link and are not stored on any server.