Random name picker
Fairly picks who answers next from your class list — skips absent students and repeats.
Add your class list to start picking.
Free · no sign-up · works offline
Put it on a classroom screenCombine it with a timer, a noise meter and more on one board.Random name picker for teachers — free and fair
A random name picker chooses a student from your class list by chance, so everyone gets a fair turn and nobody feels singled out. Paste your class list once, or load one of your Edform classes if you’re signed in, and press Pick. A short shuffle animation builds suspense, absent students are skipped, and you can make sure nobody is picked twice until everyone has had a turn. Need a pair or a team of three? Pick several names at once. You can also draw a number from 1 to 30, a letter, a day of the week or a yes / no answer.
How to use it
- 1Paste your students’ names, one per line, and save the list.
- 2Tap “Who’s absent?” to mark students who are away today.
- 3Press “Pick a student” (or Space). Pick several at once, or start over when everyone has had a turn.
Ideas for your classroom
- Call on students to answer without the same hands going up every time.
- Choose who reads aloud, presents first or hands out the materials.
- Pick two names at once to make quick partner pairs.
- Draw a random number or letter for review games and spelling practice.
- Pick classroom helpers or line leaders fairly each week.
Questions teachers ask
Is the random name picker free? Do I need an account?
It’s free and needs no account. Signed-in teachers can also load the class lists of their Edform classes.
Is the pick really random?
Yes. It uses your browser’s cryptographic random number generator, so every student present has the same chance.
Can it avoid picking the same student twice?
Yes. Turn on “Don’t pick the same student twice” and everyone comes up once before the list starts again. “Already picked” shows who has had a turn.
Where are my students’ names stored?
Only in this browser on this device. Nothing is uploaded, and you can delete a list at any time.
Can I keep several classes?
Yes. Save as many lists as you need and switch between them from the Class list menu.
Can I use it on the interactive whiteboard?
Yes. Press Full screen (or F) and tap the big Pick button right on the board.
More classroom tools
All classroom tools- Group makerRandom groups from the students who are present, in seconds — copy or print them.
- Spinner wheelSpin a colorful wheel of names, questions or topics — great for games and turns.
- Seating chart makerDesks and students: seat randomly, swap with two taps and print the plan.
Make your whole lesson interactive
Create a free Edform account to build interactive lessons, assign them to your class and see every answer.
Create a free account