Two ways to pick a number
Number wheel. Set a range and every number in it goes on the wheel. Spin, and the pointer lands on your number. This is the one to use for raffles, classroom picks, and anything where you want people to watch the spin.
Random digits. Choose how many digits you want, from one to six, and each one rolls on its own reel like a slot machine. Use this for bigger numbers, ticket numbers, PIN-style codes for a game, or when the range is too wide to fit on a wheel.
Setting up the number wheel
- From and To set the range. Both ends are included, so 1 to 10 gives you ten numbers.
- Step sets the gap between numbers. A step of 5 with a range of 0 to 100 gives you 0, 5, 10 and so on. A step of 0.5 gives you halves.
- Leave out removes numbers you don’t want. Separate them with commas, and use a dash for a run, like
13, 40-49.
The line under the fields tells you how many numbers are on the wheel. Changes show up on the wheel as you type.
Drawing numbers without repeats
For a raffle, bingo, or calling students by class number, you usually don’t want the same number twice. After each spin, choose Remove from wheel. That number is taken off for the next spin. A note under the fields tells you how many are off the wheel, with a link to put them all back.
Every number you draw is also listed in the Results tab, in order, with the time. Copy the list when you’re done to keep a record.
Tip: Lost a die? Set the range to 1 to 6 for a standard die, or 1 to 20 for a d20.
Ideas for a random number generator
- Raffles and giveaways: number your tickets or entries and spin for the winner.
- Classroom: call on students by number, pick a page to read, or make up math problems on the spot.
- Games: roll for turn order, pick a random level, or replace a lost die.
- Decisions: pick a random day of the month, a random restaurant from a numbered list, or how many reps to do.
- Sports and fantasy leagues: draft order, random seeding, or jersey numbers.
How fair is it?
Each spin picks a number using your browser’s cryptographic random number generator before the wheel starts turning, then the animation lands on it. Every number in your range has exactly the same chance. Random digits works the same way, one digit at a time, so every digit from 0 to 9 is equally likely on every reel.
Keyboard shortcut
Press Space to spin the wheel or roll the digits without reaching for the mouse. Turn on the 3, 2, 1 countdown in Settings for a little drama before big draws.