Random Name Picker and Team Generator
Enter 2 to 20 names and this tool picks one at random, splits them into even teams, or assigns results with a ladder draw.
The link carries the names and the results list, not the outcome.
The result appears here.
For fun and for deciding turns and chores. Do not use it for anything that involves money.
Not recommended for official uses such as prize draws.
How to use the random name picker
- Choose a mode: Pick one, Teams, or Ladder.
- Type the names, one per line. You can enter 2 to 20 people.
- For Ladder, type the results to hand out, such as chores or menu choices, one per line. For Teams, enter the number of teams.
- Press Start. In Ladder mode, tap a name to follow its path, or show all results in a table.
- Press Shuffle again for a new result with the same list, or copy the share link to open the list on another device.
When to use it
- Deciding who does the dishes, takes out the trash, or takes the meeting notes this week
- Picking a student to answer or setting the order of presentations in class
- Splitting a class, a workshop, or a pickup game into even teams
- Choosing a lunch menu or a restaurant when the group cannot decide
Questions about the random name picker
How random is the result?
The tool uses Math.random, the random function built into your browser. It is good enough for games and everyday choices, but it is not a cryptographically secure random number generator. In Ladder mode the tool also shuffles the order of the results under the ladder, so the shape of the ladder does not favor any position.
Can I use it for a prize draw or for anything with money?
No. This tool is for fun and for deciding turns and chores. Do not use it for anything that involves money. We also do not recommend it for official uses such as prize draws, because nobody can verify the result afterwards.
What does the share link contain?
Only the mode, the names, and the list of results. It does not contain the outcome. Everyone who opens the link gets the same list and makes their own new shuffle. The list sits after the # in the address, and browsers do not send that part to the server.
Are the names sent to a server?
No. Everything runs in your browser. The names are not uploaded or stored. Remember that anyone who has a share link can read the names in it.
What happens if there are fewer results than people?
The remaining people get “Nothing”. For example, with 5 names and one result, “Dishes”, one person gets Dishes and four get Nothing. Results beyond the number of people are ignored.
How are the teams kept even?
The tool shuffles the names and deals them to the teams one at a time. Team sizes differ by at most one person.