One fair shuffle, three ways to match
A team splitter divides a group into sides; a pairing generator does the opposite: it matches individuals to each other or to a second list. Use Partners for buddy systems, study pairs, sparring partners, or interview rounds. Use Assign to hand out chores, roles, prizes, or presentation slots. Use Secret Santa for a gift exchange where everyone gives to someone and nobody ever draws their own name.
Every mode shuffles with a cryptographically secure random source, so results are genuinely unpredictable and no name is favored. Nothing you type leaves your browser, and your list is remembered locally so it's ready the next time you open the tool. Learn more about the randomness on our how randomness works page.
How to generate random pairs
- Choose a mode. Pick Partners (pair one list), Assign (match list A to list B), or Secret Santa (a no-self-match gift loop).
- Add your names. Paste names one per line. In Assign mode, fill both the names list and the options list.
- Set the options. Decide how odd numbers are handled, or whether options can repeat: one toggle per mode.
- Generate and export. Press Generate to see the matches, Reshuffle for a new draw, then copy the results or download a CSV.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the random pairing generator work?
- Paste your names, pick a mode, and press Generate. The tool shuffles your list with cryptographically secure randomness (the same method the wheel uses) and matches everyone into pairs, assignments, or a Secret Santa loop. Press Reshuffle any time for a fresh, equally fair result.
- Can it make sure nobody gets themselves in Secret Santa?
- Yes. Secret Santa mode places everyone into a single gift loop, so each person always gives to someone else and never draws their own name. Because it forms one loop rather than random pairs, there are also no reciprocal 'you two just swap' matches.
- What is the difference between Partners and Assign mode?
- Partners takes one list and shuffles it into pairs of two (useful for buddy systems, sparring partners, or study pairs). Assign matches one list to a second list: for example people to chores, players to roles, or names to prizes.
- What happens if I have an odd number of names?
- In Partners mode you choose what happens: either leave one person out (shown as 'left over') or fold them into one group of three. The choice is a single toggle above the Generate button.
- Can the same option be assigned to more than one person?
- In Assign mode you decide. Leave 'use each option once' on for a strict one-to-one match, or turn it off so options can repeat, which is handy when you have more people than tasks.
- Is the pairing really random and fair?
- Yes. Every shuffle uses crypto.getRandomValues, a cryptographically secure random source, so results can't be predicted or steered. There is no hidden preference for any name or pairing.
- Can I save or share the results?
- Your list is saved in your browser so it's ready next time, and after generating you can copy the matches as text or download them as a CSV to paste into a doc, slide, or chat.
- Is it free and safe for classrooms?
- Yes. It's completely free, needs no account, shows no gambling content, and runs entirely in your browser, and nothing you type is uploaded. That keeps it classroom-safe and private.