Weighted Wheel of Names gives selected entries a larger or smaller chance while showing the difference through slice size. Add a positive weight after each entry, spin, and keep the probability rule visible.
weighted random pickercustom probabilitylarger wheel slicestransparent odds
Wheel of Names
Elimination: OFFAccumulation: OFFAuto-Spin: OFFFair Rotation: OFF
Add entries and spin the wheel.
What is Weighted Wheel of Names?
Weighted Wheel of Names is a free browser-based weighted random name picker that gives approved entries different disclosed chances. Edit the sample entries, confirm the eligible list, choose the mode that matches the activity, and spin for a visible random result. Weights change probability rather than guaranteeing an outcome, so show every value, explain the reason, test the list, and avoid hidden weighting in consequential decisions.
Enter each option as Label | Weight. A weight of 4 receives four times the slice area and selection chance of an option with weight 1. The values are relative, so 1 and 2 create the same ratio as 5 and 10.
The wheel uses the total of all positive weights to calculate each slice. Before a public draw, show the complete weighted list and explain why the probabilities are different. Equal chances require equal weights.
1base weight
2×double chance
4×larger slice
>0valid weight
Weighted Wheel of Names examples
Entry
Weight
Meaning
Grand Prize
1
Smallest chance in this example.
Standard Prize
3
Three times the chance of Grand Prize.
Try Again
6
Six times the chance of Grand Prize.
A weighted wheel is useful for game mechanics, tiered rewards, or simulations where unequal probabilities are intentional. It is not appropriate when rules promise every eligible participant an equal chance.
Use weighted selection transparently
👁️
Show the weights
Do not hide the values from participants. Visible probabilities make the process understandable.
⚖️
Match the published rule
Use equal weights for equal-entry giveaways and only use unequal chances when the rules clearly allow them.
🧪
Test before going live
Check labels, weight formatting, slice sizes, and the total entry list before a public session.
{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@graph”:[{“@type”:”WebApplication”,”name”:”Weighted Wheel of Names”,”url”:”https://wheelnames.org/weighted-wheel-of-names/”,”description”:”Assign transparent numeric weights to entries and spin the Weighted Wheel of Names when approved options need different chances.”,”applicationCategory”:”UtilitiesApplication”,”operatingSystem”:”Any”,”browserRequirements”:”Requires JavaScript and a modern web browser”,”isAccessibleForFree”:true,”offers”:{“@type”:”Offer”,”price”:”0″,”priceCurrency”:”USD”}},{“@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What separator should I use?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Place a vertical bar between the label and weight, such as Alex | 3.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Can I use decimal weights?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Yes. Positive decimal values work, although simple whole numbers are easier to explain.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Does a larger slice guarantee a win?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”No. It increases probability but does not guarantee a particular result.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How do I make chances equal?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Give every entry the same weight or remove all weight values and use the standard Wheel of Names.”}}]}]}(function(){if(window.__wnxPageTabRecovery)return;window.__wnxPageTabRecovery=true;document.addEventListener(‘click’,function(event){var button=event.target.closest&&event.target.closest(‘.wnx-spinner .wnx-tab’);if(!button)return;var panel=button.closest(‘.wnx-panel’),key=button.getAttribute(‘data-tab’);if(!panel||!key)return;var panes=Array.prototype.slice.call(panel.querySelectorAll(‘.wnx-pane’)),pane=panes.find(function(item){return item.getAttribute(‘data-pane’)===key;});if(!pane)return;Array.prototype.forEach.call(panel.querySelectorAll(‘.wnx-tab’),function(tab){var active=tab===button;tab.classList.toggle(‘is-active’,active);tab.setAttribute(‘aria-selected’,active?’true’:’false’);});panes.forEach(function(item){item.classList.toggle(‘is-active’,item===pane);});},true);}());