Split by number of groups
Choose how many groups you need. Ten people in three groups become sizes 4, 3, and 3, so the remainder is spread instead of left over.
Random Team Generator
Use the list already saved in this browser, or paste a new one, and this random group generator splits it into teams. Choose a number of groups or a people-per-group size, then generate.
Presentation
2 · Groups
Add participants and generate groups to see the result.
Add names, choose a split, then generate groups.
What this tool does
A random team generator shuffles one name list into near-equal groups. Remainder people are spread so group sizes differ by at most one, and the same list is the one saved by the seating chart.
Two ways to split
Split by number of groups or people per group
Split by people per group
Choose a target size instead. Ten people at three per group become four groups of 3, 3, 2, and 2.
Make pairs from the same list
Switch to pairs for groups of two. An odd count leaves one group of one, and the separate pair page uses this same control.
Instructions
How to generate random teams
Paste the list
The name box opens with the list saved by the seating chart. Edit it here and the shared list updates. Leave it empty only when this browser has no saved names.
Choose the split
Pick number of groups, people per group, or pairs. Set the count or size when you are not making pairs.
Generate the groups
Generate, then keep two people apart or lock a person to a group number and regenerate. Copy, print, or open projector mode.
Troubleshooting
When a split or rule cannot be met
Two locked people share a group
When: Both people in a keep-apart pair are locked to the same group.
Why: A lock is kept, so the generator cannot move either person to a different group.
Try: Unlock one person, or lock them to different group numbers, then regenerate.
The group count does not divide evenly
When: The number of people is not a multiple of the number of groups.
Why: Equal sizes are impossible, so the first remainder groups each receive one extra person.
Try: Accept sizes that differ by one, or change the group count or the list.
A lock points at a group that is already full
When: The chosen group is outside the split, or every seat in that group is already locked.
Why: The person is shuffled with everyone else, and the result says the lock was not applied.
Try: Pick a group number inside the current split, or remove another lock in that group.
Trust
What the generator changes
Remainder groups stay within one person
After locks take their seats, the remaining names are shuffled and filled so no two groups differ by more than one person.
- A keep-apart rule swaps an unlocked person into another group when one is available.
- Locks are honored before the shuffle, and a failed lock is named in the status line.
- Pairs are the same split with a target size of two.
The list stays in this browser
Names and the latest groups are stored in this browser so a refresh keeps them. Random 42 does not upload the list or create an account.
- The name list uses the same browser storage as the seating chart.
- Clearing the form removes the saved names and the saved groups from this browser.
Boundaries
What this team generator does not decide
This does not balance skill or roles
The split is random aside from the locks and keep-apart rules you set. It does not score ability, roles, or past groups.
Review before you use the result
- Use the classroom group generator when you want fewer recent student pairings.
- Use the work team generator when department, role, or level coverage matters.
- Review the groups before you post them. A keep-apart rule is a preference the tool reports when it cannot meet it.
Use the same list to group, seat, or pick. seating chart maker, random name picker, classroom job assignment generator, or random letter generator.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can the groups be even when the count does not divide?
Sizes stay as even as the count allows. Remainder people are added one per group, so sizes differ by at most one.
What if I choose people per group and the last group is short?
The last groups share the remainder. A target of three with ten people produces 3, 3, 2, and 2, not one leftover group of one.
How do I keep two people apart?
Choose both names, click Keep these two apart, then regenerate. They land in different groups unless both are locked together or no other group has room.
Can I lock a person to a group?
Yes. Pick the person and a group number, then regenerate. That person stays in the locked group while the others are shuffled.
Do I have to paste the list again after the seating chart?
No. This page reads the same saved name list. A refresh keeps the names and the latest groups on this device.
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