Calculators & Generators

Random Name Picker (Winner and List Shuffler)

Paste a list, choose how many to pick, and press Pick.

Result
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Random Name Picker (Winner and List Shuffler) by TheCalcTools

How the Random Name Picker (Winner and List Shuffler) works

The list is shuffled with the Fisher-Yates algorithm driven by your browser’s cryptographic random generator, so every order is equally likely. Picking k winners takes the first k of the shuffled list, so nobody can win twice.

Blank lines are ignored. To give someone extra entries, list their name more than once.

Worked example

With 6 names and 1 winner, each person has a 1 in 6 (16.7%) chance. Picking 2 gives each a 33.3% chance of being among the winners.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use it for a giveaway?

Yes. For transparency, record the screen while you press Pick, or share the list and result.

Is the list saved?

No. It stays in your browser and is gone when you close the page.

Sources and further reading

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This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.