# Random name and number picker

> The random picker draws random numbers, picks names from a list, and splits a group into even teams. Enter 8 names and ask for 1 winner, and each name has a 1 in 8 chance, or 12.5 percent. The browser's cryptographic random generator keeps every pick fair, and nothing is saved or sent. Use the tool for everyday decisions and drawings among friends.

Source: https://www.calterix.com/en-us/tool/random-picker/ · Updated 11/06/2026 · en-US

## How the random pick works

The tool uses your browser's cryptographic random generator (crypto.getRandomValues), not the basic Math.random function. To pick a whole number from 0 to n − 1, the tool throws out values that would make some numbers more likely than others (a technique called rejection sampling), so every result has the same chance.

- Numbers: set a minimum, a maximum, and how many. With "no repeats" on, each number comes up once.
- Names: one name per line, with 1 or more winners who are all different.
- Teams: the list is shuffled and dealt out in turn, so team sizes differ by at most one person.

> The result is truly random and cannot be reproduced or audited later. To work out each person's chance, divide 100 by the number of people, or use the [percentage calculator](https://www.calterix.com/en-us/calculator/percentage/).

## Setup examples

| Use | Setup | Result |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Roll a die | Numbers from 1 to 6, amount 1 | One number from 1 to 6 |
| Heads or tails | Numbers from 1 to 2, amount 1 | 1 (heads) or 2 (tails) |
| Who picks the movie? | Names, 1 winner | One name from the list |
| Pickup basketball | 8 names, 2 teams | Two teams of 4 |
| Kickball or softball | 11 names, 3 teams | Teams of 4, 4, and 3 |
| Number from 1 to 100 | Numbers from 1 to 100, amount 1 | One number |

A shortcut fills in the range for 5 numbers from 1 to 69, handy for a game night. A session history keeps your recent picks on screen until you close the page. For a password, do not use this tool. Use the [password generator](https://www.calterix.com/en-us/tool/password-generator/) instead.

## Before you run a public drawing

For live drawings among friends, a class, or a team, show the full list on screen before you pick and record the moment you click. Since a result cannot be repeated, a transparent process is the only proof the group has.

The picker is meant for decisions and casual drawings. A promotion, raffle, or sweepstakes that involves a prize, or that asks people to pay or buy something to enter, may have legal rules of its own that differ by state and country. Check the rules that apply before you announce one. The tool is not a way to bet and does not stand in for any official drawing.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I pick a random number from 1 to 100?

Choose Numbers, set the minimum to 1, the maximum to 100, and the amount to 1, then click pick. Click again for a new number.

### How do I pick a random name from a list?

Choose Names, paste one name per line, set 1 winner, and click pick. Blank lines are ignored.

### How do I split a group into even teams?

Choose Teams, paste the names, and enter the number of teams. The list is shuffled and dealt out in turn, so sizes differ by at most one person.

### Is the random picker really random?

Yes. The tool uses your browser's cryptographic random generator and removes modulo bias, so each pick is fair and cannot be repeated.

### Can I pick numbers without repeats?

Yes. Turn on "no repeats" and each number comes up once. The amount cannot be larger than the size of the range.