Random Name Picker — Spin the Wheel to Pick a Name
Every teacher knows the handful of students whose hands go up for every question — and the much larger group who quietly hope they won't be called on. The random name picker levels that dynamic. When students see their name on the wheel and know anyone could be picked, they pay attention differently.
Load your class names into the editor — it takes about two minutes for a class of thirty. From that point, every question gets a fair shot. The spinning animation plays out in front of the whole class, which means the result is public and uncontestable. No more 'you always pick the same people.'
The wheel works just as well outside the classroom. Picking raffle winners, assigning chores among housemates, deciding who presents first in a meeting — anywhere you need a fair, visible, random selection, the name picker does the job.
Start from a template
Items10
Click a color to customize
or tap the wheelor click the wheel
How to use
- 1
Replace the sample names in the editor with your class list or group members.
- 2
Hit SPIN or click the wheel — the selected name is highlighted when it stops.
- 3
Remove a name after they've been called if you don't want repeat picks in the same session.
- 4
Use the Save list button to store your class names on this device and reload them in one click next lesson.
Frequently asked questions
How many names can I add to the wheel?
There's no hard limit, though wheels with more than 30 names become harder to read. For large groups, 15–20 names works better visually.
Can I remove a student's name after they've been picked?
Yes — click the delete icon next to their name in the editor. This ensures every student gets a turn before anyone is called twice.
Can I save my class list for next time?
Yes — click 'Save list' to store your entries on this device under a name you choose (like 'Year 9 Science'). Next time you visit the same page in the same browser, your saved list will be waiting to load back in with one click. There's no login or account needed, and you can save as many lists as you like or delete ones you no longer need.
What's a good way to introduce this to students for the first time?
Let them watch a few practice spins with placeholder names before going live. Once students see their own name on the wheel and understand it's random, they tend to stay more engaged — anyone could be picked at any moment.
Can I use this for a raffle or prize draw?
Yes — add the entrant names, spin once, and whoever it lands on wins. The visible spin makes it feel transparent and exciting, which is exactly what a prize draw needs.
Is this the same as the classroom wheel spinner page?
Very similar. The classroom wheel spinner page covers broader classroom strategies and ideas. This page focuses specifically on name picking, and works for any group — not just classrooms.