How to Split a Group into Random Teams Fairly (Class, Sports and Work)
Picking teams by hand takes time and often hurts feelings. A random method is quicker and feels fairer, because nobody chose who was left until last. This guide explains three ways to make random teams, how to adjust for skill and what to do when the numbers do not divide evenly.
Write every name on a list, shuffle it, then deal the names out to the teams one at a time. Online, paste the names into a team picker wheel and spin: each spin assigns the next person to a team. For teams of different skill, mix first and then swap a few players to balance.
Try it now: Team Picker Wheel: Random Teams – Split a group into fair random teams.
Method 1: Draw names and deal them out
Put all the names on a list and pick them one at a time with the name picker wheel. Turn on the option that removes each winner after the spin, so a name only appears once. Assign the first name to Team A, the second to Team B, and keep alternating until the list is empty.
This works for any number of teams. For three teams, assign in the order A, B, C, A, B, C. For four, A, B, C, D, and so on.
Method 2: Use the team picker wheel
The team picker wheel is built for this job. Enter the names and the number of teams, and it assigns each person for you. It saves you from keeping track of the order, and the results list can be copied and pasted into a message or a whiteboard.
Method 3: Pick teams by a random attribute
For a quick split without any names, use a colour or a number. Give each person a number from 1 to 20, spin the number wheel and let the result decide the teams, for example odd and even, or 1 to 10 against 11 to 20. Another option is the color wheel: each team is a colour, and each person spins to find out where they belong. This is fun for younger children.
Balancing teams by skill
Pure random teams can be uneven. For a game where skill matters, use a two-step method.
- Sort the group into rough levels, for example strong, medium and new.
- Draw randomly within each level and deal those names to the teams.
- Check that each team has a similar mix and swap one or two people if not.
This keeps the draw random while stopping one team from collecting all the strongest players. Keep the levels private if you can, so nobody feels labelled.
When the numbers do not divide evenly
| Group size | Teams | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2 | 6 and 5 |
| 13 | 3 | 5, 4 and 4 |
| 17 | 4 | 5, 4, 4 and 4 |
| 25 | 5 | 5 each |
For an uneven split, let the smaller team have a rule that helps them, such as an extra point, or rotate the extra player between games. In a classroom, the extra student can be the scorekeeper for a round.
Tips for classrooms, sport and work
- Classroom: use random teams for group work, and change them each week so students work with everyone.
- Sport: re-draw teams each game to keep matches even and friendships mixed.
- Work: use random groups for workshops, icebreakers and project pairs to get people working across departments.
- Online: share your screen so everyone can see the draw happen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fairest way to make random teams?
Draw names without repeats and deal them out in turn. Showing the draw to everyone makes the process visible and removes doubts.
How do I make balanced teams?
Group people by rough skill level first, draw randomly within each level, then deal them out so each team has a similar mix.
How many teams should I make?
Aim for teams of three to six people for group work, and as many as the game needs for sport. Fewer, larger teams are easier to manage in a classroom.
Is the team picker free?
Yes. It is free, needs no account and works on phones, tablets and computers.