Random Name Picker Wheel for Teachers, Teams and Friends

Updated: July 14, 2025

Welcome to Random Wheel Spin — a free, easy-to-use, customizable random name picker wheel for teachers, teams, friends, and family. Spin the wheel! If you're a teacher drawing student names, a team assigning tasks, or a family deciding what movie to watch, just spin the virtual wheel and let it decide!

You can fully customize the wheel, add extra information behind each wheel item (for example, facts, questions, answers or actions), save your lists, share your spins, embed the wheel into your own website or even get it to vocally announce and speak the result each time. It's perfect for classrooms, meetings, giveaways, parties, or game nights with friends. Let the wheel decide for you!

I’m a software developer and built Random Wheel Spin to help people make decisions fairly and with a bit of fun.

Powered by a secure random number generator. Your data stays private and on your device.

How To Use the Wheel

1. Add Names Simply click the "Add Names" button and type wheel names into the popup box.
2. If you want to add extra hidden information behind each wheel entry (for example this might be a question, answer, or facts) click the "Add Names" button and then click the toggle labelled "Add/Edit Extra Information". On the next screen choose which wheel entry you want to add extra information against.
3. Then click "Spin" in the center of the wheel.
4. The wheel will spin for about 8 seconds and a random entry will be selected.
5. Click me If the selected wheel entry has hidden information behind it a "Click me" button will appear. Click the button to view the hidden information!

Customization and Features

• Change Colors
  Each wheel can have up to eight different colors in it. The colors are randomly assigned to each wheel segment. You can change all the colors by clicking the "Change Colors" button Change Colors. This will open a color picker allowing you to select colors of your choice.

• Import Hundreds of Names from Excel, CSV or Google Sheets
  When you are in the "Add Names" screen you have the option to copy and paste long lists of names from Excel, CSV or Google Sheets directly into the wheel to save you time. You can drag and drop an entire Excel/CSV file or use this 'CSV' button CSV. A prompt will appear asking you which columns you wish to import (you can import multiple columns in one go - each cell is treated as a separate wheel entry/name). With Google Sheets you simply copy the data you want to import and paste it directly in the wheel entries screen. You can also import multiple columns at once from Google Sheets.

• Drag and Drop Multiple Images into Wheel
  The wheel supports images as well as names. You can have just images, just names or both! Images make the wheel a lot more engaging. How to add images to the wheel: Click the "Add Names" button - in this screen you can also drag and drop multiple images to the wheel from your computer or use this "Images" button to add multiple images to the wheel. This is a fun way to graphically show different pictures or faces on the wheel.

• Vocally Announce Winner
  Random Wheel Spin wanted to make the wheel as accessible as possible so we added the option to vocally announce the winner after each spin. This is optional and accessible in the "Add Names" screen.

• Auto Remove Winner After Each Spin
  You also have the option to auto-remove the winner after each spin. This is optional and accessible in the "Add Names" screen.

• Embed Wheel in Your Website
  You can embed a wheel to your own website. Click the link in the top menu to do this. All menus and buttons are removed so the wheel is tailored to your own branding.
  

• Full Screen Mode
  If you have a presentation or just want to view the wheel in a bigger format without all the menu and buttons click the two arrows in the bottom right of the screen. This will enlarge the wheel on your screen and remove all surrounding menus and text. To exit fullscreen mode simply click the two arrows again.
  

• Wheel Saves Automatically and Updates in Real-Time
  The virtual spinner wheel updates and saves in real-time meaning you can close the window by accident (without clicking a Save button) and your data will still be saved. The wheel saves automatically as soon as you update the names or colours. This means if you accidentally close your browser everything will reload where you left off the next time you open the website again. There is no need to login or have an account.
  

• Display Extra Information for any of your Wheel Entries
  You can customize the wheel to store and display extra information behind each of your wheel items (such as facts, questions, answers or actions) that can be displayed when a result is selected (so that extra information is effectively hidden until the item is randomly selected by the wheel).
  
  When the wheel is spun and a result is selected the user will see a "Click Me" button in the result popup which they click to display the extra information. The information could, for example, be some facts about that wheel entry, or a question, answer or action. It is particularly useful in the classroom getting students to answer questions hidden behind each of the wheel entries, as well as engaging presentations at work or team-building events, or a fun game between friends where that information is hidden until the wheel lands on an entry at random, such as a truth or dare game.
  
  To add extra information all you do is click the "Add Names" button and then click the toggle labelled "Add/Edit Extra Information". On the next screen you can then choose which wheel item you want to add extra information against. You can also add multiple images in the extra information screen.
  

• Your Wheel Data is Stored on Your Computer
  All data you input on the wheel (like your entries or saved wheels) is stored only in your browser’s local storage and never sent to our servers.
  

•   Click the New Wheel icon to create a new wheel which will reset the current wheel and load in the default wheel colors and default starting names (your current wheel will be overwritten with the default wheel).

•   Click the Open Wheel icon to open a previously saved wheel. When you click this it will allow you to browse your computer for any previously saved wheels so you can open them (your current wheel will be overwritten with the opened wheel).

•   Click the Save Wheel icon if you want to save your current wheel to your computer hard drive. This is beneficial if you want to create lots of different types of wheels. The saved file is stored on your computer's hard drive. No data is saved on our servers.

•   Click the share icon to share the wheel with other people, including friends, family, students or colleagues. You can share your wheel of names to any other App on your device or create a sharable link to your wheel.

•   Click the embed link (in top menu) to generate a snippet of code which you can insert and paste directly into your own website (paste it anywhere inside your "" tags). Only the wheel will be displayed in your website. All buttons and menus are removed to make it cleaner and simpler, so you can tailor it to your own branding.

Some Creative Ways to Use the Wheel Spinner:

• Classroom Fun with a Random Name Picker
  Teachers can use a random name picker virtual spinner in the classroom to fairly choose which student answers next or having a question or action hidden behind each wheel item (using the Extra Information function) which is only displayed when a result is selected. It’s perfect for increasing participation and reducing bias during Q&A sessions.

• Spin the Wheel for Raffle Prize Giveaways
  Charities or businesses can use a wheel spinner to run engaging raffle competitions. Simply spin the wheel to randomly select a winning name.

• Interactive Presentations with Random Wheel Spin
  During business or classroom presentations, using Random Wheel Spin's wheel is a fun and engaging way to interact with the audience.

• Team Meetings Made Easy with a Random Name Generator
  In daily standups or remote team meetings, use a random name generator to decide who speaks first. It saves time and keeps things running smoothly.

• Get Started with a Random Task Picker
  Overwhelmed with tasks? Enter them into a wheel spinner and let it spin the wheel to help you choose. A great way to overcome indecision and start working.

• Decide What to Eat with a Random Number Generator
  Family can’t agree on dinner? Use a random number generator or random name picker to choose from a list of meal ideas and end the debate in seconds.

This is an example of a wheel of names and images of students

Applications of Random Wheel Spin

Random Wheel Spin's wheel of names is used by a wide variety of people and organizations around the world. Its core purpose—making random decisions—can apply to nearly any situation where fairness or spontaneity is required.

Some common applications of Random Wheel Spin include:

• Classroom activities by teachers (picking a student to answer)
• Online fidget spinner wheel - calming and used for anxiety reduction
• Giveaways and raffles
• Workplace or team-building games
• Random movie picker
• Family games and chores assignment
• Choosing winners for competitions or random draws
• Icebreaker questions
• Baby Showers
• Random writing prompts or creative ideas

Unlike static lists or random number generators, the spinning animation of Random Wheel Spin adds anticipation and excitement. Its visual nature also builds trust during group participation, as everyone can see the result unfold live.

Using Random Wheel Spin by Teachers in the Classroom

Educators are finding new and creative ways to engage students, and one increasingly popular method is the wheel of names. At Random Wheel Spin, we’ve developed a completely free, powerful yet easy-to-use digital spinner that helps teachers bring an extra layer of fairness, energy, and fun into their classrooms. Whether in traditional settings or remote environments, the wheel of names is quickly becoming a go-to tool for teachers around the world.

Teachers can go beyond just names. The wheel can be used to hold questions about a topic, select quiz teams, discussion groups, topics for oral presentations, vocabulary words, or even classroom chores. The wheel is a good alternative to popsicle equity sticks draws. It takes the pressure away from the teacher deciding which student should be picked next.

As a teacher you have the ability to import long lists of names from Excel, CSV files, or Google Sheets. This is especially helpful for teachers who manage multiple classes or subjects. All data is stored only on your computer. No account is required and it is completely free to use.

In addition, our wheel of names tool offers:

• Ability to drag and drop an entire CSV file into the wheel if you have a large list of students
• You can have facts, questions, answers or actions behind each wheel item
• You can add images to the wheel making it more engaging
• Optional auto-removal of previously selected wheel items
• Custom color selection so teachers can personalize the wheel for their class or school
• The option to have the student’s name spoken aloud when selected, which enhances engagement and inclusivity
• The ability to upload profile pictures or themed images for younger students or visual learners
• An optional setting to automatically remove students after being chosen, avoiding repeated selections
• Quick save and load options so different wheels can be stored for different subjects or age groups. No need to login or have an account. All data is saved on your computer.
• Wheel sharing via direct links or shortcodes, making collaboration between teachers and students easy
• Embedding support so wheels can be placed into school websites or virtual learning platforms

If you're teaching in person or online, Random Wheel Spin adapts easily to your style and needs. It encourages fairness, builds excitement, and supports a more inclusive classroom culture. And with Random Wheel Spin, setup is fast, usage is intuitive, and the possibilities are endless.

Random Wheel Spin: A Digital Fidget Spinner

At first glance, the wheel looks like just a fun classroom tool for picking names randomly, but for many people—especially those who are neuro-diverse—this simple virtual spinning wheel is much more. In fact, it acts almost like an online fidget spinner wheel, helping to provide a sense of focus, relief, and calm. There’s something about the smooth motion of the wheel, the satisfying click sounds, and the visual payoff when it lands—it’s soothing, even mesmerizing. It's also fun when the selected wheel entry is announced vocally, especially if the wheel entry name is funny and don't forget you can add extra information behind each wheel item that can be displayed when it is selected by the wheel. Random Wheel Spin is popular not just for teachers managing a busy classroom, but also for students dealing with anxiety or stress and also for parents with neuro-diverse children.

What makes this even more meaningful is the story behind Random Wheel Spin's creator. The developer has an autistic daughter, and while working on tools to help teachers engage students, he noticed how calming the wheel was for her. It became clear that it wasn’t just a random name picker; it was a digital space where she could find focus and calm and distract her from the stress she was feeling. For her, the spinning motion gave the same comfort as a tactile fidget spinner, but in a more accessible and visually engaging way.

Environments are often overstimulating and loud, and tools like Random Wheel Spin's wheel are small moments of reprieve for adults and children. Teachers have begun using the wheel not only to call on students or assign tasks, but also as a brain break—letting kids watch it spin and gently reset their minds. Especially for neuro-diverse students, this can be a game-changer in terms of classroom inclusion and emotional regulation.

So next time you spin the wheel, know it’s not just about chance—it might also be about finding a little slice of calm in a busy day.

Is the Wheel Random?

Yes the wheel at Random Wheel Spin is as random as it gets on a computer and uses advanced cryptographic Random Number Generation (RNG) technology similar to that used in slot machines in casinos. Every spin of this wheel is designed to be cryptographically random and provably fair, similar to the standards expected in online casinos or blockchain-based games of chance. "How come I get lots of winners which are the same?" This is just chance. In every day life you can throw two dice and both dice can each land on six several times in a row. This is pure chance and the same applies to the wheel. Random Wheel Spin's Wheel of Names does not have any memory so previous outcomes don't affect future winners. In games of chance, using Math.random() isn't enough. Random Wheel Spin uses browser-grade cryptographic randomness via crypto.randomUUID(), along with SHA-256 for irreversible hashing (used by financial institutions and government agencies).

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