How to shuffle a list randomly

Prepare the entries you want to shuffle

Add one item per line. If you paste from a spreadsheet, check that each row is one item and that column headings are not included. Blank lines are ignored. For a long list, decide first whether exact duplicates should remain.

Repeated lines can be intentional. For example, if a prompt card appears twice, it should have two chances. If a duplicate was accidental and every option should appear once, enable duplicate removal before the draw. Leading and trailing whitespace is trimmed, but differently written versions may still remain separate entries.

Shuffle everything or draw a smaller group

1. Paste one entry per line and check the list.
2. Choose Shuffle list for a new order of the full list. Set a smaller count if you only need a sample.
3. Remove duplicates only when repeated entries should not increase an option’s chance.
4. Review the result and copy or download it if you need a separate working list.
5. A new run produces another random order. If a group needs a fixed result, save the exact version you announce.

When random order is not enough

A random shuffle does not account for task difficulty, accessibility, priorities, schedules or participant compatibility. If the order must follow constraints—such as separating similar topics or not placing two speakers next to each other—prepare the eligible options first, then shuffle that list.

Lists and results are processed in the current browser tab and are not sent to the server. Avoid including sensitive information that does not need to be shown. For collaboration, share only the result people need rather than unnecessary personal details.

Common questions