How to use the decision wheel
Write each option on its own line. Spin once. If the result feels right, you have your answer. If you feel a pang of disappointment, that is useful information too: it shows what you actually wanted.
Short, low-stakes decisions are ideal: what to cook, which film to watch, which task to start first, or where to meet.
Lean one way? Add odds
If you slightly prefer one option, give it a weight. "Option A *2" makes it twice as likely. This lets chance break a tie while respecting your preferences.
Helpful decision questions
- Will I care about this in a week?
- Which option would I regret not trying?
- What would I choose if no one were watching?
- Is delaying the choice costing more than the choice itself?
Use it wisely
A wheel should not decide serious matters involving health, money, safety or other people's wellbeing. For those, take the time you need and seek advice. For everything else, the wheel can save you energy. Try the yes or no wheel or the what to eat wheel.
Step-by-step: decide with a wheel
- Write the options. Aim for three to seven.
- Delete options you would never accept.
- Add weights if you lean toward one.
- Spin and note your gut reaction.
- If you are unhappy with the result, ask why. That is your real preference.
Decisions that suit a wheel
Wheels are good for choices where the options are roughly equal and the stakes are low.
- What to cook, eat or order
- Which film or show to watch
- Which task to start first
- Where to meet friends
- Which chore to do now
- Which route to take on a walk
- Which gift idea to buy from a shortlist
Combine the wheel with a simple framework
If the choice matters a bit more, narrow it down first. List pros and cons, remove any option that fails a must-have, then let the wheel choose among what remains. This works because the thinking is done by you and the tie-break is done by chance. It keeps the wheel from choosing something you would actually reject.
Another approach is the "10-10-10" test: how will you feel about this in ten minutes, ten days and ten months? Remove options that fail the test and spin for the remainder.
Group decisions
For groups, agree on the list before the spin. Let everyone add one option so they feel included, and agree beforehand to honour the result. This avoids arguments and speeds up planning for trips, meals and events.
Last updated 6 October 2026 · Winners are chosen with the browser’s cryptographic random generator. How it works
Frequently asked questions
Does a random wheel make good decisions?
It makes quick, unbiased ones. It works best for low-stakes choices where any option is acceptable.
Can I weight my options?
Yes. Add *2 or *3 after an option to make it two or three times as likely.
How many options can I add?
Up to 500, though under 20 reads best.
Can I save my options?
Copy the permanent link; your options are stored in the URL.
What if I don't like the result?
Notice that. It tells you something about what you prefer. Choose the option you wanted instead; the wheel has done its job.
Can I use this for team decisions?
Yes, for low-stakes choices. Agree the list and the rule beforehand.
