How to make random partners
- Add the names one per line. Names you typed on the other pages are already here.
- Pick the options: what to do with an odd number, and how many rounds you want.
- Press Make pairs. Each round shows its pairs; anyone sitting out is listed below.
- Copy, download or share the result, or shuffle again.
Rounds with no repeat partners
Pairing the same class every week? Random pairs alone will sooner or later put the same two people together again. Set the number of rounds and the random pair generator builds a rota where every round brings a new partner, like a round-robin tournament, with the order of people still shuffled at random. With an odd number, a different person sits out (or joins a trio) each round.
Two lists: mentors and mentees
Sometimes partners must come from different groups: mentors and new starters, older and younger pupils, native speakers and learners, or players from two clubs. Choose names from two lists, fill in both, and each person from the first list is matched with a random person from the second. It's quick enough to redo for every session.
Ideas for using random pairs
- Classroom: think-pair-share, peer feedback, reading buddies and lab partners.
- Work: coffee pairings, code reviews, buddy systems for new joiners.
- Events: speed networking, doubles tournaments and dance partners.
- Debates and interviews: random partners for practice rounds, switching every round.
Need bigger groups? Use the random team generator.
📖 Our guide to making fair random teams covers odd numbers, rules and rotating partners.
Questions people ask
How do I create random pairs?
Paste the names, one per line, and press Make pairs. Everyone is shuffled with your browser's secure random generator and paired up. Press Shuffle again for new partners.
What happens with an odd number of people?
You choose: Make one group of three puts the extra person into a pair, or One person sits out lists them separately (with rounds, a different person sits out each time).
Can I make pairs with no repeats?
Yes. Set Rounds to the number of times you will pair up (for example one round per week). In every round each person gets a partner they haven't had before. With 10 people there can be at most 9 such rounds; the tool tells you if you ask for more.
Can I pair names from two different lists?
Yes. Choose names from two lists and fill in the second list, for example mentors and students, buyers and sellers, or readers and listeners. Each name in the first list gets a random partner from the second. If the lists differ in length, the extra names are listed as having no partner.
Is it a random partner generator for class?
That's one of the most common uses: think-pair-share, peer marking, lab partners or reading buddies. Save your class list once and reuse it for pairs, teams and the name picker games.
Can I keep the pairs?
Copy them as text, download a CSV file for Excel or Google Sheets, or press Share for a link that opens this page with your lists and settings.