Names List
Names are automatically added to the wheel as you type. Blank lines and duplicate empty spaces are automatically ignored.
Interactive Wheel
A Wheel of Names is a versatile random name picker designed to make fair and unbiased selections. Whether you are running a classroom activity, hosting a giveaway, conducting a team meeting, or just trying to decide who goes first in a board game, a spinning wheel adds a layer of excitement and total transparency to the process.
How the Random Name Picker Works
This tool utilizes pure mathematical randomization paired with a realistic physics engine to simulate a spinning wheel. As you enter names into the text box, the wheel automatically divides itself into perfectly equal segments based on the total number of valid entries. When the spin button is clicked, an unpredictable velocity is applied to the wheel, which gradually slows down using simulated friction until it lands perfectly on a randomly chosen winner.
Common Uses for a Spinning Wheel
- Classroom Participation: Teachers use the wheel to randomly select students to answer questions, ensuring everyone gets a fair chance without any unconscious bias.
- Prize Giveaways: Businesses and content creators input the names of raffle or contest entrants to transparently select a lucky winner during live streams or events.
- Work Tasks: Teams often use a randomizer to assign daily chores, choose who takes the meeting notes, or determine the order of presentations.
- Decision Making: You can enter options instead of names (like different restaurants for dinner) to quickly resolve a debate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the spin result truly random?
Yes. The starting speed of the spin is completely randomized every single time you click the button. Because the simulated friction applies constantly as the wheel rotates, the final resting position cannot be predicted or manipulated by the user or the software.
Is there a limit to how many names I can add?
There is no strict software limit to the number of names you can enter. However, for the best visual experience and readability on the wheel interface, keeping the list between 2 and 50 names is highly recommended. The wheel will dynamically resize the text and slices to accommodate larger lists automatically.
What happens if I type the same name twice?
The wheel treats every single line as a unique entry. If you enter the same name twice, that person will receive two slices on the wheel, doubling their statistical odds of winning. This is particularly useful if you are hosting a raffle where some people bought multiple tickets.