What is the Wheel of Names?
A wheel of names is a spinning wheel split into one slice per name. You spin it and whichever slice stops under the pointer wins. It is a quick, visible way to pick someone at random for a giveaway, a classroom question or a team decision.
Type or paste names into the box, one per line, and the wheel updates as you go. Press Spin and the wheel slows to a stop on the winner. You can then remove the winner and spin again, which works well for draws with several prizes or for taking turns. The list is saved in your browser, so it is still there next time.
How to use it
- 1
Add names
Type or paste names into the box, one per line.
- 2
Spin the wheel
Press Spin, or tab to the button and press Enter or Space.
- 3
See the winner
The winning name appears below the wheel and is read out by screen readers.
- 4
Keep going
Remove the winner and spin again, or spin again with everyone still on the wheel.
Features
Fair random pick
The winner is chosen with your browser's cryptographic random number generator, so every slot has the same chance.
Remove and spin again
Take the winner off the wheel with one click and spin for the next place or the next turn.
Shuffle and sort
Mix up the order of the names or sort them A to Z.
Large lists
The wheel handles one name or a few hundred; long names are shortened on the wheel and shown in full when they win.
Optional tick sound
Turn on a soft click as each slice passes the pointer. It is off by default.
Popular uses
Giveaways
Pick a winner from a list of entrants in front of your audience.
Classrooms
Choose who answers next, or set the order of presentations.
Team meetings
Decide who runs stand-up, takes notes or goes first.
Everyday choices
Settle what to eat, which film to watch or whose turn it is.
Frequently asked questions
Is the wheel of names really random?
Yes. The winner is picked before the wheel starts moving, using crypto.getRandomValues, the browser's cryptographic random number generator. Every slot has the same chance, and the animation is steered to stop on that slot.
What happens if a name is on the list twice?
Each line is its own slot, so a name entered twice has two slices and twice the chance of winning. Remove the duplicate if you want everyone to have an equal chance.
Is my list saved?
Yes, in your browser's local storage on this device. It is not uploaded anywhere. If your browser blocks storage, the list works for this visit only.
How many names can I add?
As many as you like. With a hundred or more names the slices get thin, so labels are shortened or hidden on the wheel, but the winner is always shown in full.
Can I stop the wheel from animating?
If your device is set to reduce motion, the wheel skips the spin and goes straight to the result.