Wheel of Names: Free Spinner to Pick a Random Name
The Wheel of Names is a free online spinner that picks a random name from any list. Add your names, click Spin, and the wheel lands on one winner. No signup. No download.
Teachers use it to call on students. Hosts use it to draw giveaway winners. Teams use it to decide who speaks first. Every name gets an equal slice of the wheel, and your list never leaves your browser.
How it works
Add your names. Type each name in the Entries box and click Add, or replace the example names.
Click Spin. The wheel spins and stops on one name at random.
Draw the next winner. Tick “Don’t repeat winners” and each winner drops off the wheel. Spin again to pick the next name.
Mix it up. Click Shuffle to change the order of names on the wheel.
Frequently asked questions
Want more control, like colors, sounds, weighted odds, or sharing? Try the full wheel builder.
More free wheels
What Can You Use a Wheel of Names For?
Classroom cold calling. Add your students’ names and spin to choose who answers next. Tick “Don’t repeat winners” and every student gets a turn before anyone is picked twice.
Giveaways and raffles. Add every entrant and spin once per prize. You draw distinct winners in seconds, in front of your audience.
Lucky draws at events. Pick a winner from attendees at a workshop, wedding, or office party.
Team meetings. Decide who speaks first at standup, who takes notes, or who presents next.
Game night. Set the turn order or choose who goes first.
Live streams and videos. Spin on screen so viewers watch the result happen.
Chores and family decisions. Settle whose turn it is to wash the dishes or pick the movie.
Your to-do list. Feeling stuck? Add your tasks and let the wheel choose where you start.
How to Run a Fair Giveaway with the Wheel of Names
A random pick only builds trust when people can see it is fair. Follow these steps:
- Collect your entries. Give each person one entry unless your rules allow more.
- Remove duplicates. Check the list before you spin so no one gets an accidental extra chance.
- Announce the rules. Tell everyone how many winners you will draw and whether one person can win twice.
- Show the spin. Share your screen or record the draw so participants can watch.
- Spin once per prize. Tick “Don’t repeat winners” so each prize goes to a different person.
- Announce the winners. Post the names and keep your recording in case anyone asks.
Is the Wheel of Names Truly Random?
Yes. Every name gets an equal slice, and your browser chooses where the wheel stops at random. No name has a better chance than another unless you add it more than once.
Why did the same name win twice? Each spin is a new, independent event. A previous result has no effect on the next one, just as a coin can land on heads three times in a row. Expecting a “due” result is a common mistake known as the gambler’s fallacy. To stop repeat winners, tick “Don’t repeat winners”.
Wheel of Names vs Other Name Pickers
Each picker on this site suits a different job:
| Tool | Best for |
|---|---|
| Wheel of Names | Drawing several winners in a row from one list |
| Random Name Picker | Making one quick pick while everyone stays on the wheel |
| Raffle Winner Picker | Drawing prize winners from ticket holders |
| Classroom Picker | Calling on students fairly during a lesson |
| Team Randomizer | Splitting people into fair, random groups |
Tips for Better Spins
Keep names short. Short names are easier to read on the wheel, especially with a long list.
Give someone extra chances. Add a name twice to double its odds.
Use the full wheel builder for more control. The full wheel builder lets you change colors, add sounds, set weighted odds, save your wheel, and share it with others.
Want more ideas for what to put on the wheel? Read our guide to 60+ wheel of names ideas for classrooms, parties and team meetings.
Wheel of Names FAQs
Is the Wheel of Names free?
Yes. It is completely free, with no signup and no download.
How do I pick more than one winner?
Spin again after each result. With “Don’t repeat winners” ticked, each winner leaves the wheel, so the next spin always picks someone new.
Can the same name win twice?
Not if you tick “Don’t repeat winners”. With it ticked, each name can win only once.
Can I use the Wheel of Names for a raffle?
Yes. Add your ticket holders’ names and spin once per prize to draw distinct winners.
How many names can I add?
Add as many names as you need. The wheel resizes each slice to fit your list.
Can I give one name a better chance?
Yes. Add that name more than once, or use weighted odds in the full wheel builder.
Are my names saved or uploaded?
No. Your list stays in your browser and is never uploaded.
Can I save my wheel for next time?
This page is a quick, no-signup tool. To save and reuse a wheel, use the full wheel builder.
What is the difference between this and the Random Name Picker?
Both use the same wheel. This page is built for drawing several winners in a row, so tick “Don’t repeat winners” to remove each winner after their spin.