Random Seating Chart Generator

How to make a random seating chart

You can start with Numbers only (for example 1–30). To use names, choose Add class roster and type one student per line or paste a column from a spreadsheet.

• Under Room layout, set rows, columns and desk type (pairs or single) to match your room.
• Tap a spot with no desk (an aisle, a pillar, the door) and choose Remove desk.
• Set any Rules, then press Shuffle seats. Names spin and are revealed row by row.
• Press Save this chart when you are happy. Saved charts are what "Avoid previous seat partners" checks next time.
• Tap one seat and then another to swap two students by hand. Undo reverts mistakes.

Avoiding previous seat partners

Turn on Avoid previous seat partners and the generator checks your saved charts so two students who sat together before are not paired again. At pair desks, partners are students who shared a desk; at single desks, students who sat directly side by side.

Choose how far back to look: the last chart, the last 3 or 5, or all saved charts. Late in the year "all" may be impossible to satisfy completely; the generator then picks the arrangement with the fewest repeats and tells you how many remain. Up to 30 charts are kept per class.

Front-row students, keep-apart pairs and locked seats

Rules are saved per class. The fewer rules you use, the more random (and fair-feeling) the result.

• Front row: students who need to see the board or sit near you are placed only in the front row (or first two rows if needed).
• Keep apart: two students are never partners or neighbors, including diagonally.
• Locked seats: a locked student stays put when you shuffle; locked seats show a padlock.
• More desks than students: seats fill from the front, so empty seats end up in the back row.

Projector reveal, teacher view and printing

Press Full screen (F) to fill the projector with the chart; the shuffle animation reveals seats from the front row back. Student view shows the room as students see it (board at the top). Teacher view rotates the chart 180° so the teacher’s desk is at the bottom, which is what you want for a chart on your desk.

Print outputs only the chart in landscape with the class name and date; choose "Save as PDF" in the print dialog for a file. Copy as table pastes neatly into a spreadsheet.

Seating tips

• A random draw everyone watches is easier to accept than a hand-made chart. Keep exceptions to a minimum.
• Rule details stay in the settings area, and full screen also hides lock markers, so you never have to explain them in front of the class.
• Check sightlines after shuffling; swap two seats by tapping them if a tall student blocks a shorter one.
• Agree on how often seats change at the start of term so students know when the next chance comes.