Random group generator for classes and teams
Paste your names and make random pairs or trios in seconds. For regular lessons, workshops and clubs, Pro helps you keep certain students apart, avoid repeat pairings and save class lists.
- 5 free group generations per rolling 7 days, plus 1 emergency use
- Paste names from Excel or Google Sheets
- Pro helps keep people apart and reduce repeat pairings
- Pro is £3.99 once, with no subscription
Buddy Matcher
Create random groups in seconds.
Results
Copy, download or share your groups.
Avoid repeats uses the grouping you mark as used. Trial generations are not saved.
Optional: group leaders
Why people use Buddy Matcher
Smart group making
Quickly create balanced pairs, trios or larger groups for lessons, activities, workshops, clubs and projects.
Random picker
Pick one person randomly when you need a quick starter, helper, answerer or volunteer.
Controlled Pro groups
Keep certain students apart, avoid repeat pairings and save class lists for your next lesson.
Simple and private
No accounts for the free tool, no spreadsheet fiddling, and paid features only when you want them.
Keep the right students apart.
Make fresh pairings easier.
Keep certain students apart, avoid repeat pairings and save class lists. Pro helps you prepare your regular classes, teams and clubs in less time.
Don’t group these two
Keep certain students apart with simple pairing rules.
Avoid repeat pairings
Vary partners using the last grouping you marked as used in this browser.
Save class lists
Load your regular classes without retyping names.
Bigger and custom groups
Make groups of 4, 5, 6 or a custom size, with unlimited generating.
Print and export
Print clean group layouts or download a CSV.
Group leaders
Spread named leaders across your groups when the activity needs it.
FAQ
Can I paste names from Excel or Google Sheets?
Yes. Paste one column of names straight into the box and Buddy Matcher will split them into groups.
What happens if the numbers do not divide evenly?
It balances the final groups so you do not end up with one lonely person left on their own.
Can I pick one person randomly?
Yes. Buddy Matcher includes a quick random picker for choosing one person from your list.
Can I stop certain people being grouped together?
Yes. Pro includes a “Don’t group these two” option so you can keep specific pairs apart.
Can I display groups on a projector or interactive whiteboard?
Yes. Pro includes Student View for showing final groups on your classroom screen, with your setup controls hidden. See the projector mode guide.
Can I assign group leaders?
Yes. Pro lets you mark group leaders and spread them across different groups.
Do I need an account?
No. It works instantly in your browser. No sign-up needed for the free tool.
Is it private?
Yes. Names are stored in your browser using local storage unless and until you choose account-based Pro features.
Teacher resources
Practical guides for making student pairs and groups, reducing repeat partners, mixing friendship groups and keeping classroom grouping quick.
Enjoying the free tool?
A small tip helps me keep Buddy Matcher going. Always optional, always appreciated.