Step-by-step instructions
List the participants
Use one unique label per person. Account for fixed or restricted seats separately before drawing the unrestricted list.
Choose seats per table
Set the capacity of each table. For one continuous numbered row, set a capacity at least as large as the participant count, up to 100.
Generate and map the seats
Select Assign seats. Copy the table and seat numbers and map them to clearly labeled physical locations.
Worked example
Twelve students are assigned to three tables with four seats each. Their within-table seats matter as well as their table membership.
One valid result is shown below. Your generated outcome will vary.
Example input
Alex Jamie Morgan Taylor Sam Jordan Casey Riley Drew Avery Robin Cameron
Example result
Table 1 1. Seat 1 · Taylor 2. Seat 2 · Riley 3. Seat 3 · Alex 4. Seat 4 · Drew Table 2 1. Seat 1 · Jamie 2. Seat 2 · Casey 3. Seat 3 · Sam 4. Seat 4 · Morgan Table 3 1. Seat 1 · Jordan 2. Seat 2 · Robin 3. Seat 3 · Cameron 4. Seat 4 · Avery
Each table receives four students and each person receives a seat number. A partially filled roster would leave the last table smaller.
Use groups when only membership matters
For table discussions, balanced group sizes can matter more than numbered places. Group Generator balances headcounts, while Seating Order Generator fills tables in order. Choose deliberately rather than assuming both tools distribute an uneven class in the same way. Assign any classroom roles or task materials after saving the roster.
Settings and limits to check
The example has 12 retained entries. People are shuffled and assigned to numbered seats within consecutive tables. The last table may be smaller than the others. This is a list of assignments, not a room-plan editor. It does not keep partners together, separate selected guests, or account for accessibility, sight lines, or fixed seating. Handle those constraints before applying a random plan.
Settings used in this example
Seats per table: 4 Remove duplicate entries: On
Keep a usable copy of the result
Use Copy to place the current result in your own notes, or Download to keep a text file. Keep the eligible input list with the result when you need to explain which entries took part. A new generation replaces the displayed result rather than adding to a saved history.
The tool runs in your browser and does not upload your input. Save the result before refreshing or leaving the page. If other people need to use the same outcome, share your saved copy rather than asking them to generate another independent result.
Frequently asked questions
Will 10 students fill three four-seat tables equally?
No. This seating tool produces four, four, and two. Use Group Generator if balanced table groups are preferred.
Will every table have the same number of people?
Not necessarily. Tables fill to the selected capacity, and the last table may have fewer people.
Can I drag names around a room diagram?
No. The output is a text assignment list. Use it with your own labeled room layout.
What should I check in the worked example?
Each table receives four students and each person receives a seat number. A partially filled roster would leave the last table smaller.