How to use the Spin the Wheel
- Type your entries into the box, one per line. Names, tasks, food choices, anything. The wheel updates as you type.
- Press Spin the wheel. The wheel spins and stops on a winner shown below it.
- To pick several different winners, press Remove winner from the wheel after each spin, then spin again.
- Use Shuffle entries to mix the order, or Reset to go back to the example names.
How the winner is chosen
The winner is picked before the wheel starts moving, using your browser’s secure random number generator. Every line has the same chance. The spinning animation is then arranged so that the wheel stops on that winner. Because of this, the animation never changes the result.
Example
With 6 names on the wheel, each name has a 1 in 6 chance (about 16.7%). If you type the same name twice, it appears twice on the wheel and has a 2 in 7 chance in a list of 7 entries.
Ideas for using the wheel
- Classrooms: pick a student to answer a question or lead an activity.
- Giveaways: choose a winner from a list of participants.
- Daily decisions: decide what to cook, where to eat or which film to watch.
- Teams and chores: assign tasks or order of turns without arguments.
Tips for a smooth draw
- Keep entries short so the labels stay readable on the wheel.
- Check the list for duplicates before you spin, because repeated names get extra chances.
- For a prize draw, say out loud how winners will be picked so everyone trusts the result.
- Remove each winner after the spin if you need several different winners.
Frequently asked questions
Is the spin really random and fair?
Yes. The winner is chosen with the browser’s secure random number generator, and each entry has an equal chance. The wheel animation only shows the result that was already chosen.
Can I pick more than one winner?
Yes. After a spin, press Remove winner from the wheel and spin again. Repeat until you have as many winners as you need.
What happens if I enter the same name twice?
It appears twice on the wheel and so has double the chance. Remove duplicates if you want everyone to have an equal chance.
Is my list saved or sent anywhere?
No. The list stays in your browser and is not stored or uploaded. If you reload the page the list returns to the example names.
Why are some labels shortened?
Long entries are cut to about 18 characters so they fit on the wheel. The full text is still used for the winner shown below the wheel.
Can I use it for a contest or prize draw?
Yes, as a simple fair picker. If your contest has legal rules, such as a lottery or a social media promotion, check the rules that apply in your country and the platform you use.
How many entries can the wheel hold?
Up to 100 entries. With very long lists the labels become small, so for big groups it can help to split them into rounds.