ToolPorch / Classroom / Group Generator
Random Group Generator with keep-apart rules
Split any class into random groups in one click — and finally automate the part every teacher does by hand: keeping the two kids who can't sit together in different groups.
Number of groups vs. group size
Both modes exist because both are real: "I need 5 stations, split them across it" is a count problem, while "lab benches seat 4" is a size problem. In count mode the generator deals students round-robin into N groups so sizes stay within one of each other. In size mode it makes as many full groups as possible and spreads the remainder, so nobody ends up alone.
The keep-apart rule is the whole point
Random grouping is easy; random grouping that respects your classroom is not. Every teacher keeps a mental list of pairs that don't mix — best friends who won't stop talking, a bully and their target, siblings. Type those pairs once and every shuffle honors them. The list is saved with your device, so it's there next time. (There's deliberately no "keep together" feature yet — tell us if you'd use one.)
Frequently asked questions
How do keep-apart rules work?
Add one pair per line like Maya + Jaden. The generator reshuffles internally (up to 500 attempts) until no keep-apart pair shares a group, then shows the result. If your rules are impossible to satisfy — say, five students who must all be apart in two groups — it tells you instead of silently breaking a rule.
Groups of 4 doesn’t divide my class evenly — what happens?
Leftover students are spread across existing groups, so with 22 students in groups of 4 you get four groups of 4 and two groups of 3 — never a lonely "group" of 2 leftovers unless the math forces it.
Can I use the class list I saved in the name picker?
Yes — all ToolPorch classroom tools share the same saved class lists, stored in your browser on your device. Pick your class from the dropdown.
Is anything uploaded?
No. Names, rules, and results all live in your browser. We never see them.
Can I re-run it if I don’t like the result?
Click Shuffle again as many times as you like — each shuffle is fully random and still honors your keep-apart rules.