Three way choices
Three films, three restaurants or three routes.
Make it yours
Pick a Number Between 1 and 3
Three options, one pick. Press spin and the wheel lands on 1, 2 or 3. Each has a one in three chance.
It is a random number generator 1-3 that uses your browser's secure random tool, so the result is fair and nobody can steer it.
How to Use It
- Give each of your three options a number.
- Press spin.
- The number that comes up decides it.
Where a 1-3 Pick Is Useful
Three players
Who goes first, second and third.
Rock, paper, scissors
Number them 1, 2 and 3 for a wheel version, or pick what move a robot opponent plays.
Magic tricks and guessing games
A guess with a one in three chance is exciting, but hard enough to be unlikely.
Three groups
Split a class into three tables.
Gold, silver and bronze
Hand out ranks at random in a game.
The Odds for 1 to 3
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| One number on a single pick | about 33.3% |
| The same number twice in a row | about 33.3% |
| The same number three times in a row | about 3.7% |
| Picks until a repeat is more likely than not | 3 |
| Picks to see all three numbers (average) | about 5.5 |
By the third pick, a repeat is more likely than not, at about 78%. That is normal for such a small range. Do not expect 1, 2, 3 in order.
Random Number Generator 1-3 and the "Random Looking" Trap
When people make up a random list from 1 to 3, they alternate too evenly, like 1, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2. Real random lists have runs. 2, 2, 2 is not unusual. A machine does not avoid repeats, and that is why it is fair.
A Quick Game: Three Cups
Put a small object under one of three cups, numbered 1 to 3. Spin to choose which cup hides it. Then let a friend guess. The chance of a lucky guess is one in three. Play ten rounds and count the wins. An average guesser gets just over three. Seven or more wins means luck or peeking.
Pick a Number Between 1 and 3, or More?
For two options, use 1 or 2 or the yes or no wheel. For four, use 1 to 4. For five, use 1 to 5. For other ranges, set your own on the random number wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pick a number between 1 and 3 for a game?
Yes. Agree what each number means, then spin.
Is it really random?
Yes. Your browser's secure random tool picks the number. Each one has a 1 in 3 chance.
Is this fair for choosing between three people?
Yes. Everyone has the same chance, and the draw is visible to all.
Can I get the same number twice?
Yes. It happens about a third of the time.
Is it free? Do I need an account?
Yes, it is free, and you do not need an account.