How the random name picker works
Every line in your list is one ticket. When you press Pick, the tool draws the winner with the cryptographic random number generator built into your browser, then plays a short shuffle so everyone can watch. The animation does not influence the result: the winner is decided before it starts, and every ticket has the same chance.
For several winners, the names are drawn without replacement, like pulling tickets from a hat one after another. Turn on "Remove picked names" to carry that over from one draw to the next.
How to use it
- 1Paste or type your names, one per line. Up to 500 names work, duplicates count as extra tickets.
- 2Set how many winners you want per draw and press Pick.
- 3Use "Remove picked names" for raffles with several rounds or to pick an order. "Picked so far" keeps every result of this session, and Copy results puts the list on your clipboard.
Typical uses
- Giveaways and raffles: draw one or more winners from a list of entries, and copy the result for your announcement.
- Classrooms and teams: pick who answers next, who presents first, or a fair order for everyone, with picked names removed.
- Decisions: put options instead of names in the list, for example restaurants or movie titles, and let chance decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the pick really random?
Yes. The winner is chosen with your browser's cryptographic random number generator, the same source used for passwords. Every name has exactly the same chance, and the shuffle animation only shows the result that was already decided.
How do I pick several winners at once?
Set "Winners per draw" to the number you need, for example 3 for three prizes. The names are drawn without putting them back, so one name cannot win twice in the same draw.
What does "Remove picked names" do?
After each draw, the winners are taken out of your list, so the next draw only chooses among the names that are left. Use it to pick a speaking order, assign turns or run a raffle with several rounds.
Can I give someone a better chance?
Add the name on more than one line. Every line is one ticket, so a name listed twice has twice the chance. With "Remove picked names" on, only the drawn line is removed.
Are my names saved or sent anywhere?
No. The list and the results live only on this page in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, and reloading the page brings back the sample names.