How to pick names at random online
Type a list or copy a column from Excel or Google Sheets and paste it here, with one entry per line. Set the number of winners and alternates, then select Draw names.
When the draw is done, copy the result or draw again with the same list and settings.
For example, for a group of eight or ten people, prepare the list, choose two winners and one alternate, then run the draw. The result will show the winning places and the backup choice together.
How to prepare your participant list
If your names are in an Excel or Google Sheets column, select and copy it, then paste it straight into the field. Each row becomes a line, and every line containing text becomes an entry.
Blank lines are ignored, and spaces at the beginning or end of each name are trimmed. Review the list before drawing and fix any spelling mistakes or rows that should not take part.
Remove repeated names only when they are accidental duplicates. If someone is meant to have more than one entry, keep each intended line: the draw counts them separately.
How each entry is counted
Every non-empty line counts as an independent entry, including when a name is repeated. The draw treats each of those lines as a distinct entry.
The draw selects each entry once. If the same text appears on several lines, that name may appear more than once among the winners and alternates.
Free quick draws and certified draws
Quick draws are free for up to 500 valid entries, and certified draws up to that limit are free too. For lists of 501 to 50,000 entries, continue through the certified flow: the points cost appears before confirmation, and you need to sign in.
The quick draw reveals the result with a ticker. The certified flow adds a verifiable result; points are not assigned a EUR value here.
Choose a quick draw when you want an immediate result from a list of up to 500 entries and do not need a certificate. A certified draw is the suitable option when you need to keep a verifiable result or your list is larger than that limit.
Common uses
Choose who takes part in a class activity, game, group, association, company or event. Set winners and alternates to match the rules of your draw.
You can also assign tasks, select volunteers, set the speaking order in a meeting or choose people for an internal draw. Match the number of winners and alternates to what the group needs.
It is also useful when you need to pick a random name from students, activity participants, association members or event attendees. Use it as a random name picker to choose one or more winners, set alternates, select volunteers or run internal draws quickly.
Privacy and responsible use
Include only the information needed to identify each entry. For a class or group list, consider first names, initials or aliases, and make sure you are authorized to use the list.
Avoid adding email addresses, phone numbers, home addresses or other details you do not need. If you use internal IDs, make sure they are enough to distinguish entries, and check that you have appropriate permission or another suitable basis to use the list where applicable.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose several winners?
Yes. Set the number of winners and alternates before drawing. Each entry is selected once; if a name appears on several lines, those entries count separately.
Is it free?
Quick and certified draws are free for up to 500 valid entries. For 501 to 50,000, the certified flow shows the points cost before confirmation.
What if a name appears more than once?
Each non-empty line is an independent entry. The same name can therefore appear more than once in the result if it was entered on separate lines.
Can I paste names from Excel or Google Sheets?
Yes. Copy a column and paste it directly; every non-empty row counts as an entry.
What is the difference between a quick and certified draw?
The quick mode picks names from a list of up to 500 entries and shows a ticker. The certified flow produces a verifiable result and supports larger lists, with the points cost shown before confirmation.
Can I run a draw with 1,000 names?
Yes. Lists with more than 500 entries use the certified flow. The points cost is shown before confirmation, and the current maximum is 50,000 valid entries.
Can I use it to pick one random name?
Yes. Add the names, set one winner and run the draw. If you need several winners or alternates, choose those numbers before starting.