Random team generator Random groups for class
Groups that nobody can call unfair
When students choose their own groups, the same friends stick together and the same kids wait to be asked. When the teacher chooses, someone always asks why they got stuck with that group. A random split takes the decision out of anyone's hands. The order comes from your browser's secure random generator, and the class can watch it happen on the board.
This page starts with 24 sample names and groups of four, which is how most teachers split a class for station work, lab experiments or a group project. Replace the names with your own list. You can type them, paste a column from a spreadsheet or import a .txt or .csv file exported from your gradebook.
If 26 students come in and you want groups of four, you get five groups of four and two groups of three, never a lonely student. Switch to Teams when you need an exact number of groups instead, for example six tables in the room.
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Making class groups in under a minute
- Open Names and replace the sample names with your class. Delete anyone absent today, so the groups come out even.
- Keep Team size at 4, or change it with the plus and minus buttons. The line under the buttons tells you how many groups you will get.
- Press Make teams. Not happy because two students who distract each other ended up together? Press Shuffle again, or move on and let chance decide.
- Show the result with Present on the projector, or Print a sheet for the door. The list stays saved in this browser for next lesson.
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Questions teachers ask about random groups
Can I keep two students apart?
Not automatically. The generator treats every name the same, which is what makes it fair. If a pair must never sit together, shuffle again until they land in different groups, or swap them by hand after you print.
How do I get groups with a mix of strong and weaker students?
Write a level after each name, like Maya *3 for a strong reader and Leo *1 for a struggling one, then turn on Balance by skill. The groups get similar totals while the students inside them are still placed at random. Each group card then shows its skill total and any level other than 1 next to the name, so check the screen before you put it on the projector.
Do I have to type my class list every time?
No. The list on this page is saved in your browser, separately from the main team generator, so it is here next time you open the page on the same computer. For several classes, keep each list in a .txt file and import the one you need.
Are student names sent anywhere?
No. The groups are made in your browser and the names never reach a server, so there is no account and nothing for a school data officer to approve. A share link carries the names inside the link itself.
Can I rename the groups after the subject?
Yes. Click a group name on a card, or open Team names and write one name per line, such as Volcanoes, Rivers and Deserts for a geography project.
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Other ready-made setups
- Random pairsPartners from a list of names, with one trio when the count is odd
- Random team namesSplit the group and give every team a funny name in one go
- Golf scramble teamsFoursomes for a scramble or charity day, drawn at random
- Random teams of 3Trios from any list of names, with an even split when it does not divide
- Tournament teamsSplit the players into 8 teams, then draw the bracket order
- Soccer teamsTwo even sides for a pickup game, with a quick reshuffle
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