Weighted Wheel of Names
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.
Try the Weighted Wheel of Names
How weighted entries change the wheel
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.
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.
Technical reference: MDN random-value documentation.
Weighted Wheel of Names FAQs
What separator should I use?
Place a vertical bar between the label and weight, such as Alex | 3.
Can I use decimal weights?
Yes. Positive decimal values work, although simple whole numbers are easier to explain.
Does a larger slice guarantee a win?
No. It increases probability but does not guarantee a particular result.
How do I make chances equal?
Give every entry the same weight or remove all weight values and use the standard Wheel of Names.