Many people build their own random picker using Google Sheets with formulas like =INDEX(A:A, RANDBETWEEN(1,COUNTA(A:A))). It's free and flexible. But how does it compare to a dedicated experience like FluoFish Roulette?
The short version
- Google Sheets random picker is a DIY solution. You maintain a list of names in a spreadsheet and use formulas or scripts to pick one at random. The result shows on the sheet (or you can publish it).
- FluoFish Roulette is a purpose-built party game. Everyone joins via QR code on their phones. Phones glow in sync and one person is dramatically revealed as the chosen one.
A spreadsheet is a clever hack. FluoFish Roulette is designed from the ground up to be the main event.
How each one works
Google Sheets Random Picker
You create a sheet with a list of names. Use RANDBETWEEN + INDEX, or more advanced Apps Script for a "pick and remove" button. Share the sheet with the group or project it. Every time you recalculate (or click a button), a new random name appears. Some people add fancy formatting or buttons.
FluoFish Roulette
Host opens the game → gets a QR code. Players scan and join on their own phones. Start the round and every phone shows a beautiful animated rainbow with a countdown. At the end, the phones shuffle and one lights up green. The host sees the winner on the main screen. Re-rolls and full resets are built in.
When Google Sheets is the better fit
- You already live in Google Workspace or Excel and want everything in one place.
- You need advanced logic (weighted picks, exclusions, history logging, multiple categories).
- You're comfortable with formulas or basic scripting.
- You want something completely free and private that you fully control.
- The group is small or the selection is low-stakes (internal team rotation, task assignment).
When FluoFish Roulette is the better fit
- You want the random selection to be genuinely fun and social.
- You're running a party, workshop, offsite, or event where engagement is the point.
- You don't want to manage a spreadsheet in front of everyone.
- The visual drama and everyone participating on their phones matters.
- You want zero setup for players beyond scanning a QR code.
Setup comparison
| Google Sheets Random Picker | FluoFish Roulette | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup effort | Medium (build or copy a template) | Very low (open room) |
| Player experience | Watch a spreadsheet | Join on phone + watch glow + personal reveal |
| Visual appeal | Basic cells (can be dressed up) | Colorful animated phones + countdown |
| Reusability | Depends on your formula setup | One-click re-roll or reset |
| Best group size | Any | 3–12 (high energy) |
| Fairness | Good (if formula is correct) | Server random + only active players |
| "Wow" factor | Low | High |
The bottom line
Google Sheets (or Excel) random pickers are impressive hacks that many teams rely on. They're powerful for internal use. FluoFish Roulette exists for situations where the act of choosing should be the highlight — not just a cell that updates.
If you need power and integration with other data, use a spreadsheet. If you want people to actually enjoy and remember the moment, use FluoFish Roulette.
Want something people will actually look forward to? Host a game and get started in seconds.
Mini FAQ
Q: Is using Google Sheets for random picking free?
A: Yes, Google Sheets is free. Advanced scripts may have limits on the free plan.
Q: Can I make my Google Sheets picker look nice for a presentation?
A: You can format it heavily, but it will never match the visual impact of glowing phones.
Q: Does FluoFish Roulette require any setup like formulas?
A: No. The host just opens the page and shares the QR code. Everything else is handled.
Q: Can I use a spreadsheet picker with a big projected screen?
A: Yes, but the experience remains "watching cells change" rather than an interactive group moment.
Q: Which is more fair for repeated use?
A: FluoFish Roulette is better for repeated rounds because it only picks from currently present players and supports clean re-rolls.
Q: Can remote participants use FluoFish Roulette?
A: It's built for people in the same physical space. A spreadsheet works better for fully remote or hybrid teams.