Compare Chalkbox, ClassTools.net, and Flippity to pick the right random group generator for your classroom.
Sorting a class into small teams or project clusters takes time if you do it by hand. Several web tools split a roster into random sets with a click. While the core math of shuffling names is basic, the tools differ in interface noise, setup steps, and how rosters get saved between lessons. At Chalkbox, we design simple classroom utilities that work immediately in front of a class, but different teaching routines call for different features. This guide reviews the Chalkbox Random Group Generator alongside two widely searched classroom alternatives: ClassTools.net and Flippity.
The Chalkbox Random Group Generator focuses on fast, distraction-free grouping right inside your web browser. You open the page, paste your student list, and generate balanced teams with a single button press. It requires no login account, runs completely free of charge, and serves zero advertisements on the screen. Because all calculations happen directly in your local browser session, no student roster data gets sent to a remote database or stored across page reloads.
Teachers can switch between two practical sorting approaches depending on the assignment structure:
Once names are distributed, a single click reshuffles everyone into a fresh random permutation. A dedicated print button formats the groups onto printable cards for paper-based station rotations or desk displays.
Because the utility stays minimal, it intentionally omits complex rules. It cannot separate specific student pairs, cannot balance teams by gender or reading level, cannot save your roster for a future visit, and provides no file export options for spreadsheets or presentation slides. If you need permanent roster storage or rule-based sorting, you will need a tool with a database back end.
ClassTools.net Random Group Generator offers a quick way to split a class into a target number of working groups. The interface lets you paste or type your roster into a text box, select the number of groups you need, and trigger the sorting action. You can access the generator without creating an account or signing into a profile.
The free version of the ClassTools tool displays banner advertisements on the page. Running ads in front of a classroom can introduce visual clutter or unexpected distractions during instruction. To remove these promotions, ClassTools provides a paid membership option called ClassTools Premium. In addition to hiding advertisements, the premium account adds access to all platform templates and adds personal branding capabilities. ClassTools does not publish an explicit price for ClassTools Premium directly on that page, so check the ClassTools.net Random Group Generator site to confirm current subscription terms.
The Flippity Random Name Picker instructions show that Flippity serves multiple classroom selection routines beyond drawing single student names. Within a single web interface, teachers can switch between various classroom modes. These formats include a spinner wheel, a single name view, a lineup display, a chart, a speed networking generator, and a gift exchange organizer.
For group assignments, Flippity supplies two distinct grouping interfaces:
Flippity supports two roster setup methods depending on how often you reuse the list. For a fast one-time split, you can enter names directly into quick text entry fields on the site. For persistent classroom use, Flippity provides an official Google Sheets template. Teachers make a copy of the template, input their student roster, and publish the spreadsheet to the web. The spreadsheet approach lets you reuse names across school terms while customizing colors or attaching images to individual student entries.
Flippity does not publish clear account, advertising, or pricing details on its main tool or instruction pages. Because these policies are not explicitly documented on Flippity's pages, you should review the Flippity instructions directly to verify current access requirements.
The following table outlines the specifications and feature differences across all three tools based on documented information.
| Feature | Chalkbox | ClassTools.net | Flippity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free, Premium price not published on ClassTools' page | Not published on Flippity's pages |
| Ads | No ads | Ads on the free tier, Premium removes them | Not published on Flippity's pages |
| Account Needed | No | No for the free tier, login for Premium | Not published on Flippity's pages |
| Adding Names | Paste into the browser | Paste or type into a text box | Quick text fields or a Google Sheets template |
| Grouping Options | Set students per group or number of groups | Pick the number of groups | Groups mode (1 to 15) or Teams mode (1 to 15) |
| Saves Your Roster | No, not across page reloads | No, not on the standard free generator | Yes, via a linked Google Sheets template |
Selecting a classroom grouping utility depends on whether you value immediate launch speed or roster persistence across multiple weeks. If you want grouping alongside a timer and name picker on one screen, use the free classroom dashboard or compare ClassroomScreen and its free alternatives.
Teachers seeking an ad-free experience without logins should use the Chalkbox Random Group Generator. It works well when you need to assemble project pods on a digital projector without showing advertisements to the room. It clears out completely when closed, keeping student names off remote servers.
Teachers who already use the broader ClassTools library might prefer the ClassTools.net Random Group Generator. It provides a simple split by group count that handles quick division needs, provided you do not mind ads or have access to a ClassTools Premium account.
Teachers who want to store rosters permanently inside a linked Google Sheet should choose the Flippity Random Name Picker. While copying and publishing a Google Sheets template requires initial setup work, it eliminates the need to repaste your class list for every lesson. Flippity also suits educators who run specialized classroom activities like speed networking rotations or seasonal gift exchanges.
If you run cold-calling or need to pick individual volunteers rather than team rosters, a dedicated single-name tool is more effective than a team builder. Explore our Chalkbox Random Name Picker for solo student picks, or consult our guide to random name picker alternatives to evaluate single-name wheels and drawing tools.
To divide your class into balanced working teams right now without any account setup or on-screen clutter, try the free Chalkbox Random Group Generator directly in your web browser.
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The best tool depends on how you store class data. The Chalkbox Random Group Generator provides a completely free, ad-free option that divides students by team size or team count without requiring a login. Flippity serves teachers who prefer to save a reusable class list using a Google Sheets template.
The basic ClassTools Random Group Generator is free to use without an account and displays advertisements on the page. ClassTools also offers a paid membership called ClassTools Premium that removes ads and adds extra templates, though its exact price is not published on that page.
Yes. While called a Random Name Picker, Flippity includes both a Groups mode to set group sizes from 1 to 15 students and a Teams mode to create between 1 and 15 total teams. It also provides speed networking and chart formats within the same tool.
The Chalkbox Random Group Generator is completely free and displays no advertisements on the screen. It runs directly in the web browser without accounts, user tracking, or promotional banners.
This guide provides general information for educators and is not an endorsement of any product; verify current features and pricing directly on each vendor's site before choosing a tool.