How to shuffle a list
- Paste your list, one item per line. Names from the other tools are already here.
- Choose the options: numbers, removing duplicates, or keeping only the first few.
- Press Randomize the list. The new order appears with the first item highlighted.
- Copy or download it, or use it as your list for the other tools.
A fair shuffle, every time
Shuffling by hand or with a quick spreadsheet trick often isn't truly random. This name shuffler uses the Fisher–Yates method, which gives every possible order exactly the same chance, driven by your browser's secure random number generator. Your list never leaves your device.
Ways to use a random order
- Turn order: who presents first, who goes first in a game, the order of a quiz.
- Rotas: shuffle chores, cleaning duties or weekly hosts fairly.
- Running orders: acts in a show, songs in a playlist, speakers at an event.
- Study: shuffle vocabulary words or questions so you don't learn them in the same order.
- Random top three: set "keep only the first" to 3 for winners in order.
Want a bit of show? Pick one name at a time with the name picker games, or split the list into groups with the team generator.
📖 Deciding a turn order? See 12 fair ways to decide who goes first.
Questions people ask
How do I randomize a list of names?
Paste the list, one item per line, and press Randomize the list. The whole list comes back in a new random order, numbered if you like. Press Shuffle again for another order.
Is the shuffle really random?
Yes. It uses the Fisher–Yates shuffle with your browser's secure random generator, so every possible order is equally likely. Nothing is biased towards the top or bottom of your list.
Can I only keep the first few?
Yes. Fill in Keep only the first, for example 3, to get a random top three, the first five readers, or three winners in order.
Does it work for things other than names?
It works with any list: tasks, songs, questions, presentation topics, seat numbers or chores. Each line is one item.
Can I decide who goes first?
The first name in the result is highlighted, so a list randomizer is also a quick way to set turn order: who goes first, second and so on.
What does "Use as my list" do?
It replaces your list with the shuffled order, so the next tool you open (the name picker, the team generator) starts from that order. You can undo it.