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Brainlag

Random group maker

Split a class list into random, fair groups in a second, keeping or separating the names you choose, then show the groups full screen on the board. For teachers and group projects.

Each tag, like Table 1, is shared out across the groups.

Rules

    No rules yet. Add a pair to keep apart or together.

    Your class

    Optional: add a tag after a | to spread it evenly across the groups, e.g. Amara | Table 1

    Your class lists stay in this browser. They are never sent to Brainlag or anyone else.

    How it works

    This random group generator splits a class list into groups for you: a number of groups, or groups of a set size. Add rules for the things only you know, like two students who must not work together, or a pair who should, and balance the groups by a tag such as a reading level or a role. Lock a group you are happy with and shuffle the rest, drag names to swap them, then copy the groups, print them or show them full screen. Your lists stay in this browser and are never sent anywhere.

    1. Type or paste your class list, one name on each line, or import a CSV. Add a tag after a bar, like "Chloe | top set", if you want to balance by it.
    2. Choose Number of groups or People per group, and how many.
    3. Add any rules: Keep apart or Keep together, a pair at a time.
    4. Press Make groups. Lock a group with its padlock to keep it, then press Shuffle again for the rest.
    5. Drag a name onto another to swap them. Copy, print or go full screen when you are happy.

    Tips

    • Balance by tag spreads each tag evenly, so every group gets a mix of levels or one of each role.
    • If a rule cannot be kept (three students who must all be apart, with only two groups), the page says so instead of quietly ignoring it.
    • Themed team names (The Quadratics, Team Photon) are a quick way to settle who is in which group. Switch to Numbered for formal work.
    • Print or save as PDF gives a clean sheet with just the groups, ready to pin up.

    FAQ

    How are the groups made fair?
    Names are shuffled with your browser's cryptographic random numbers (crypto.getRandomValues) and a Fisher-Yates shuffle. The groups are then filled as evenly as possible: with 30 names in 4 groups you get 8, 8, 7 and 7.
    Can I stop two students being in the same group?
    Yes. Under Rules, choose Keep apart and the two names. You can also Keep together a pair who need each other, such as a student and their helper. Rules are saved with that class list.
    What does balance by tag do?
    Give names a tag, like "Amir | high" or "Lena | scribe", and turn on Balance by tag. Each tag is then shared out evenly, so no group ends up with all the confident readers or all the scribes.
    Is my class list stored online?
    No. Lists, rules and groups are kept only in this browser on this device and are never sent to Brainlag or anyone else. Download a CSV or JSON file to back them up or move them.
    Can I save the groups as a PDF?
    Yes. Press Print or save as PDF, then choose Save as PDF in your browser's print window. The sheet shows only the groups and their names.

    Keep going

    Printables