Random Name Picker for the Classroom

About this random name picker

A random name picker takes the guesswork out of calling on students. Paste or type your class list, press Pick, and one name comes up. Turn on remove-picked so everyone gets a turn before anyone repeats.

The same list can also be split into random groups, either a number of groups or a group size, and shuffled into a turn order for presentations or lab stations.

Names you type stay in this browser tab. They are not sent to Handout Hero, not saved between visits and not shared. Close the tab and they are gone, which also means you will paste your list again next time.

How to use it

1. Type or paste one name per line in the list box.
2. Press Pick a name to choose one student at random.
3. Turn on Remove picked names to give everyone a turn before any name repeats.
4. Switch to Make groups, choose how many groups or how many students per group, and press Make groups.
5. Use Random order for a shuffled turn list, then Print to post it.

Classroom tips

• Use first names or numbers only if your school's student privacy policy prefers it.
• Say before you spin that everyone has a turn, then keep remove-picked on; students pay more attention when repeats are impossible.
• For groups, pair this with the seating charts and layout diagrams on the site.
• Keep a plain list of absent students out of the box before you pick.

Reviewed 2026-10-03. This tool was written for Handout Hero.