How to Make a Wheel Spinner
You can make a spinning wheel online in under a minute, build one in PowerPoint or Excel, or craft a physical one from cardboard. Here is how each method works.
1. Online (fastest, about one minute)
- Open the custom wheel maker.
- Type your entries, one per line, and add colours or weights.
- Add a title and a logo, then press Share or Save.
This is truly random, works on any device and keeps a history of results.
2. In PowerPoint
- Insert → Chart → Pie chart; type your options as categories with equal values.
- Remove the legend, add data labels with category names.
- Draw an arrow shape at the top as the pointer.
- Select the chart → Animations → Spin; set duration to 2-3 seconds.
Limitation: PowerPoint’s spin animation always stops at the same angle, so it is not random. For a fair pick, use an online wheel and show it in the presentation with a link.
3. A random name picker in Excel
- Put names in A2:A31.
- In C2 enter
=INDEX(A2:A31, RANDBETWEEN(1, COUNTA(A2:A31))). - Press F9 to pick again.
This picks a random name but has no wheel, no history and recalculates whenever the sheet changes.
4. A cardboard wheel
- Cut a cardboard circle and divide it into equal segments with a protractor.
- Push a pencil or split pin through the centre so it turns freely.
- Add a paper pointer fixed to a base.
Physical wheels are fun but rarely perfectly balanced, heavier sides land more often.
Which method should you use?
| Method | Truly random | Setup time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online wheel | Yes | 1 min | Everything |
| PowerPoint | No | 10 min | Show-only animation |
| Excel | Yes | 2 min | Picking from a spreadsheet |
| Cardboard | Roughly | 30 min | Crafts and events |
Try another wheel
Written and tested by Musa Tariq · Editorial Team · Last updated



