Name Picker Wheel

How to use the Name Picker Wheel

Type or paste your names into the box on the right, one per line — the wheel redraws instantly as you edit. Press Spin the Wheel (or click the centre hub) and it slows down realistically to land on a random name. The winner appears in a pop-up with a one-click Copy button, so you can drop the result straight into your notes, chat or slide.

What each option does

• Remove name after selection (Fair Play): once a name is drawn it is taken off the wheel, so nobody is picked twice. Every removed name is logged in the Picked order box in the sequence it was drawn, and you can copy the whole list in one click — handy for keeping a record of turns or a draw order.
• Warm-Call countdown: optional. When switched on, a clean 30-second timer appears beside the winner, giving that person a moment to gather their thoughts before they answer. Leave it off and the pop-up simply shows the name.
• Sound effects: soft ticks while the wheel spins and a short celebratory cheer for the winner. Turn it off for a silent classroom or library.
• Shuffle: randomises the order of the names around the wheel without drawing anyone.

Ways to use it

• Cold-calling in class: pick a student to answer a question, and switch on the Warm-Call timer so they have time to think — the fairness of random selection without putting anyone instantly on the spot.
• Fair participation: turn on Fair Play so every student is called before anyone repeats, and copy the Picked order as a quick record of who has taken part.
• Forming groups or pairs: spin repeatedly to build teams, breakout rooms or presentation pairs at random.
• Lucky draws and giveaways: paste entrant names to draw winners for a webinar, event, class reward or social-media giveaway — the picked list gives you an auditable draw order.
• Icebreakers and decisions: decide who goes first, choose a random topic or question, or settle any who-is-next moment fairly.
• Rosters and chores: assign duties, presentation slots or tasks without any accusations of favouritism.

Nothing you type is saved or sent anywhere — the names stay in your browser. The tool is free to use, and you are welcome to use it in your classroom.