Split an informal workshop
Create discussion groups when the only relevant input is the list of people currently taking part.
Random Group Generator
Paste one plain list and split it quickly by number of groups or preferred group size. Every usable entry appears once in a near-equal result.
Presentation
2 · Groups
Add participants and generate groups to see the result.
Ready to create random groups.
What this tool does
A random group generator shuffles the active entries and partitions them into groups whose sizes differ by no more than one when an exact division is impossible.
Quick grouping
When simple random groups are enough
Make game or activity groups
Divide friends, attendees, or players into near-equal sets without ratings, roles, or organization fields.
Prepare breakout tables
Choose a practical target size and copy the resulting groups into a message, slide, or facilitator note.
Instructions
How to generate random groups
Paste the active list
Enter one distinct person or item per line and remove anyone who should not participate in this round.
Choose how to divide it
Set either the desired number of groups or the preferred maximum group size.
Generate the partition
Shuffle and distribute the entries so every usable item appears in exactly one near-equal group.
Review and export
Check the result for real-world constraints the tool does not know, then copy, print, or generate another mix.
Troubleshooting
Group setup issues
There are too few entries
When: Fewer than two usable lines remain after blanks and duplicates are removed.
Why: A meaningful multi-person grouping cannot be formed.
Try: Add more distinct entries or use a simple choice tool instead.
The requested size cannot divide evenly
When: The participant count is not a multiple of the target size or group count.
Why: No exact split exists, so the remainder must be distributed across the result.
Try: Use the near-equal groups, change the setting, or adjust the active list.
Duplicate labels collapse
When: Two lines normalize to the same display value.
Why: The tool keeps one identical label to prevent an apparent entry from being assigned twice.
Try: Give different people distinct labels and generate again.
Trust
Random grouping and privacy
Random groups are not balanced groups
The generator randomizes list placement and group size, but it does not balance ability, department, role, accessibility, or relationships.
- Every cleaned active entry is included exactly once in the result.
- Near-equal sizing controls group counts, not the mix of attributes inside each group.
- Generating again creates a new random partition but does not intentionally avoid recent partners.
The list and groups are not saved
Entries, settings, and generated groups are used to complete the active task and are not sent to Random 42.
- Random 42 does not save a roster, result, or share link after the session.
- Refreshing or closing the tool clears the list and generated groups.
Boundaries
When to use a specialized group tool
Use a scenario tool when the list has real constraints
This page intentionally solves a plain partition task and does not claim to optimize a classroom or workplace.
Review before you use the result
- Use Classroom Group Generator for attendance and recent-pair preferences.
- Use Random Team Generator for lightweight ratings or captains.
- Use Work Team Generator for employee fields, role coverage, and a team matrix.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose the number of groups?
Yes. Choose a group count, or choose a target group size and let the tool calculate the required number of groups.
What happens when the list does not divide evenly?
The remainder is distributed so the largest and smallest groups differ by no more than one participant.
Does the tool balance skills or roles?
No. It makes near-equal random groups from a plain list. Use a team or work-specific generator when attributes matter.
Is the list uploaded?
No. The input and result are used for the active task and are not saved by Random 42.
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