Group Picker Wheel - Random Group Generator

Group Picker - Sort Any List of Names into Random Groups

The group picker takes a list of names and splits it into random groups in one click. Unlike a plain team generator, it works both ways round: tell it how many groups you need, or tell it how many people per group and let it work out the rest. Every list is shuffled with a fair random algorithm first, so nobody can claim the groups were arranged.

How to Put Names into Groups

1. Paste your names — one per line, straight from a class roster, spreadsheet or attendee list.
2. Choose how to split — "Number of groups" for a fixed count (2 groups, 4 groups, 6 groups), or "People per group" when the size matters more (pairs, groups of 3, groups of 4).
3. Click Generate Groups — the random groups appear instantly, ready to copy, download or print.

Split by Group Size Instead of Group Count

Most group makers only ask "how many groups?". That is the wrong question when you have six lab stations that each seat four people, or a workshop where breakouts work best in threes. Switch the mode to People per group and enter the size you want — the group picker calculates the number of groups and spreads any remainder across the existing groups rather than leaving one person on their own. Twenty-two names in groups of four becomes 4-4-4-4-3-3, not 4-4-4-4-4-2.

Using a Random Group Generator in Class

Paste the register once, pick your grouping, and project the result on the board. Because the split is visibly random, students accept it without the usual negotiation — and one more click gives you a completely fresh set of groups for the next activity. More ideas are on our classroom tools page, and when you only need to pick one student rather than group everyone, use the wheel of names.

When a Group Picker Wheel Helps

• Classrooms: lab stations, reading circles, discussion groups, project groups.
• Training and workshops: breakout rooms and round-table rotations of a fixed size.
• Sports and PE: even sides for a pickup game — or use the dedicated team picker wheel for named teams.
• Work: ice-breaker groups, hackathon groups, secret-santa style pairings.
• Events: seating plans and table assignments for a dinner or party.
• Competitions: build the groups here, then seed them into the tournament bracket generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I put a list of names into random groups?

Paste the names one per line, choose a number of groups or a group size, and click Generate Groups. The list is shuffled before it is dealt out, so every possible grouping is equally likely.

Can I make groups of a specific size, like groups of 4?

Yes — switch "Split by" to People per group and enter 4. Leftover people are spread across the existing groups instead of forming an undersized extra group.

What is the difference between the group picker and the team picker?

They share the same fair shuffle. The group picker lets you set the group size as well as the group count, which suits classroom stations and workshop breakouts. The team picker is built around a fixed number of named teams for sports and competitions.

Is the group picker really random?

Yes — names are shuffled with a Fisher-Yates shuffle before being dealt into groups. Everything runs in your browser, so your list is never uploaded anywhere.

How many names can I group at once?

There is no practical limit — paste 12 names or 200. You can create up to 50 groups in a single split.