You need a quick classroom reshuffle or a seating chart for a substitute teacher.
Classroom Seating Chart Generator
Paste your class roster or use student numbers to generate a random seating chart. Customize desk columns, then print or save a PDF. Free, no sign-up.
Start here
Enter your class size for numbered students, or paste one column of names from your class roster.
Browser-first
Names, student numbers and seating charts are processed in your browser and are not uploaded. Refreshing or closing the page clears the roster and result.
Useful for
Assign seats at the start of a semester
Step 1
Add your class
Use student numbers for a quick start, or paste your class roster.
For example, 30 creates student numbers 1 through 30.
Step 2
Set up your classroom
Columns run from the board to the back. Set the same number of seats in each column, or adjust columns individually.
Common layouts
Column 1 · 6 seatsColumn 2 · 6 seatsColumn 3 · 6 seatsColumn 4 · 6 seatsColumn 5 · 6 seats
30 students30 seats
Example: a seating chart for 28 students
Choose student numbers and enter 28 students, 5 columns and 6 seats per column. That gives 30 desks with 2 empty seats. Three columns have 6 students and two have 5; which columns are shorter can change with each shuffle.
Board / front of classroom
Column 1 1 2 3 4 5 Empty
Column 2 6 7 8 9 10 Empty
Column 3 11 12 13 14 15 16
Column 4 17 18 19 20 21 22
Column 5 23 24 25 26 27 28
Add a class or period and date, then print or save a PDF for your classroom or substitute teacher. To create teams, use Random Groups. Pasting teams into this tool shuffles everyone again; it does not keep groups together.
Quick answer
Turn a class roster into a printable seating chart
Paste names or enter a class size, set desk columns and seats from front to back, then generate a random arrangement. Add a class or period label and print or save a PDF directly from your browser.
This is a random desk assignment tool, not a wedding table planner. It does not lock seats, keep groups together, separate pairs or save class rosters between visits.
Random Groups: Paste and review names as a compact editable list, or generate numbered entries, then split everyone into random groups.
About this tool
Paste your class roster or use student numbers to generate a random seating chart. Customize desk columns, then print or save a PDF. Free, no sign-up.
Names, student numbers and seating charts are processed in your browser and are not uploaded. Refreshing or closing the page clears the roster and result.
How to use it
- Enter your class size for numbered students, or paste one column of names from your class roster.
- Set the number of desk columns across the room and the seats from front to back. Use custom columns for uneven lengths.
- Generate the chart and check that every student has a seat. Empty seats stay at the back.
- Add an optional class or period and date. Print the chart or choose Save as PDF in your browser's print dialog.
Common use cases
- Assign seats at the start of a semester
- Shuffle seats for a new classroom arrangement
- Leave a printed seating chart for a substitute teacher
Make a seating chart for a substitute teacher
Use a clear class or period label, check students with the same name, and keep the board marker visible. Check the final arrangement against individual classroom needs before posting it.
- Use full names or student numbers that your substitute can match to the roster.
- Use Print / Save as PDF for the desk grid; Copy seating chart gives a text list by column.
- A seating chart assigns individual desks. Random Groups creates teams; pasting those teams here will shuffle them again.
Choose the right input
| Your starting point | Use | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Only a class size | Student numbers | Numbers run consecutively from 1; use the roster for gaps. |
| Excel or Google Sheets roster | Paste names | Copy a single column, without its heading. |
| Shorter desk columns | Custom columns | This changes column length, not aisles or individual blocked desks. |
FAQ
Can I print the seating chart or save a PDF?
Yes. Generate a chart, optionally add a class or period and date, then select Print / Save as PDF. The print page contains only the seating chart. US Letter landscape is the default; review the paper size and page breaks before printing.
Can I paste names from Excel or Google Sheets?
Yes. Copy a single column of names and paste it into the roster field. Repeated names stay as separate students. This tool does not import or export .xlsx files.
Can I lock seats or keep students apart?
No. Each shuffle randomly redistributes the entire roster. It does not support locked seats, drag-and-drop changes, separation rules or keeping groups together.
How do rows and columns work?
A column runs from the board toward the back of the room. Columns are numbered from left to right on the chart, with Column 1 on the left. The board is at the top.
What if I have more desks than students?
Students are spread across columns in proportion to their capacity, with empty seats at the back. If there are too few seats, generation is blocked until you add enough.
Will my seating chart be saved?
Not automatically. Copy the result, print it or save a PDF before refreshing or closing this page.