Random Picker
Randomly pick one entry from your list, giving you a fair and unbiased way to make a decision without manual selection. Runs in your browser, GDPR-compliant.
Your inputs are processed in your browser and are not transmitted to our servers. Note: third-party resources (e.g. advertising and analytics from Google/Cloudflare) and an optional PayPal donation link may transfer data when loading or when clicked. Browser extensions or plugins may be able to read content that is visible in the input fields.
The result will appear here …
How to use this tool (video)
This video is hosted on YouTube. When you play it, data may be sent to Google.
Random Picker
The Random Picker selects one entry randomly from any list you provide. You can enter a list of names, options, or items, and the generator makes a fair, unbiased selection without manual intervention. The tool uses cryptographically secure random numbers so no entry is favored. It is ideal for making decisions when you cannot or do not want to choose yourself, or for fair distributions in groups.
How it works
The generator assigns each entry in the list an equally distributed probability. If you have a list of N entries, each entry has a 1 in N chance of being selected. As a concrete example: with a list of 8 candidates for a raffle, each candidate has exactly a 12.5 percent chance of being drawn. The generator uses a cryptographically secure random number generator, employing the Fisher-Yates algorithm or an equivalent method to make the selection. This ensures the distribution is truly uniform and no bias arises. The process is entirely deterministic only with respect to the randomness source, but unpredictable for the user.
What the tool can and cannot do
This tool makes a random selection from a given list. It cannot create a list itself, consider ratings or preferences, or perform complex multi-criteria decision algorithms. It simply selects uniformly at random, which makes it ideal for fair selection processes but unsuitable for weighted or preferential selection. The list must be manually entered by the user; the generator does not read external data sources. It does not validate inputs for duplicates or empty entries, which could lead to unexpected results.
Why local processing in the browser
All calculations run directly in your browser. Your inputs are never sent to a server, there is no upload and no server log files storing your data. You do not need to register or have an account. After the page loads, the generator also works offline because assets are cached in the browser. There is no attackable server and nothing is transmitted over the network. You can draw as often as you like, discard results, and restart at any time, because nothing is stored or tracked.
Frequently asked questions
Is the selection truly random?
Yes, the generator uses cryptographically secure random numbers to ensure a uniform, unbiased selection.
Do I need to be online?
No, the Random Picker works offline after the page loads. Everything runs locally in your browser.
Are my data uploaded?
No, your list and selection stay on your device. There is no upload, no server logs, and no third-party access.
Can I use a list with any number of entries?
Yes, the generator works with lists of any size, as long as they can be manually entered.
Is any entry favored?
No, every entry has the same probability of being selected. The process is completely unbiased.
Is the tool free?
Yes, the Random Picker is a free tool that runs directly in your browser.