How to use it
- List your guests, one per line; put couples or families on one line joined by & or +.
- Set the number of tables and seats per table.
- Add table names if you like.
- Create the chart, then click guests to swap or move them.
Keep groups together
Put people who must sit together on one line, joined with & or +:
Emma Miller & Jack MillerDavid Lee + Sarah Lee + Mia Lee
Each line is seated as a unit at the same table. Larger groups are placed first so they're sure to fit, and then everyone else is spread across the tables, filling the emptiest tables first. If a group is bigger than a table, or there aren't enough seats in total, the tool tells you to add tables or seats.
Single guests go on their own lines. Names can be anything you like, including first names only or labels like "Guest of Ryan", as long as each line is unique enough for you to recognize. The guest counter above the list updates as you type, and the total seats are shown next to the table settings so you can check the numbers add up before you start.
Adjust by hand
A random plan is a starting point, not the final word. After the chart is made:
- Swap two guests: click one guest, then another, at the same table or a different one.
- Move a guest: click a guest, then click the name of another table to move them there (if it has a free seat).
Each table shows how many seats are taken, like 7/8. Click Shuffle again for a completely new random plan.
Table names and export
Leave table names empty to get Table 1, Table 2 and so on, or type one name per line (Head table, Rose, Lily) and they're used in order. When you're done, copy the seating chart as text or download it as a .txt file to paste into your planner, place card template or a spreadsheet.
Planning tips
| Event | Typical round table |
|---|---|
| 60-inch round | 8 guests (10 if tight) |
| 72-inch round | 10 guests (12 if tight) |
| 8-foot banquet table | 8 to 10 guests |
Common seating advice:
- Seat couples together and keep kids with their parents.
- Put people who know each other at the same table, and mix in one or two connectors who get along with everyone.
- Keep guests who don't get along at different tables; place older relatives away from speakers.
- Leave one or two spare seats for last-minute changes.
Random seating is also great for networking events, team dinners and classrooms, where mixing people up is the point.
Privacy
Your guest list never leaves your browser and isn't saved anywhere, so download the .txt file before you close the page. For splitting people into groups of equal size without tables, use the random team generator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep couples together?
Put them on one line joined by & or +, for example Emma Miller & Jack Miller.
Can I change the plan after it's generated?
Yes. Click two guests to swap them, or click a guest and then a table name to move them.
How many guests fit at a round table?
A 60-inch round table usually seats 8, and a 72-inch round seats 10.
Can I name the tables?
Yes. Type one name per line in Table names; empty means Table 1, Table 2 and so on.
Is my guest list saved?
No. Copy or download the chart before you close the page.
Last updated: November 12, 2026