20 Fun Ways to Choose a Number

The concept of choosing a number might seem straightforward, but it can be an enjoyable and creative process with a bit of imagination. Whether you're selecting a lucky number, deciding on a game strategy, or just looking for a random digit, here are 20 unique and entertaining methods to make the process a memorable one.

1. The Good Old-Fashioned Dice Roll

Roll a pair of dice and add up the numbers. This classic method never fails to add a touch of excitement to any decision-making process.

Sub-Method: Die-Hard Dice Roll

For a more intricate approach, use a specialized dice set with numbers from 0-9. Roll the dice and create a two-digit number, or roll multiple sets to generate a larger number.

2. Random Number Generators

Leverage the power of technology with online random number generators. Simply input the range of numbers you want, and the generator will provide a random selection. It’s a quick and efficient way to make a choice.

Sub-Method: Random App Adventure

Download a random number generator app on your phone. These apps often come with fun themes and additional features, making the experience more engaging.

3. The Birthday Bonanza

Use your or someone else’s birthday as a source of inspiration. Add the digits of the birth year together to create a unique number. For example, if the birth year is 1997, adding 1 + 9 + 9 + 7 gives you the number 26.

Sub-Method: Birthday Extravaganza

Incorporate the month and day as well. For instance, if the birthday is July 15th, 1997, you could use the number 7151997, giving a more intricate and personalized choice.

4. The Spin of Fortune

Create a DIY spinner by drawing a circle and dividing it into equal sections, each labeled with a number. Spin the spinner and let fate decide.

Sub-Method: Digital Spin

If crafting a physical spinner seems daunting, there are plenty of online spinner tools available. These tools often come with customizable options, allowing you to tailor the experience to your needs.

5. The Art of Picking a Card

Grab a deck of playing cards and assign values to each suit. For example, clubs could represent 1, diamonds 2, hearts 3, and spades 4. Draw a card and the suit determines your number.

Sub-Method: The Joker’s Wild

Incorporate the jokers into the mix. Assign them a unique value, perhaps a lucky number like 7 or 13, and let them add an element of surprise to the draw.

6. Rock, Paper, Scissors Showdown

Play a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors with a friend. Each round, the winner gets to pick a number, and the player with the highest number after a set number of rounds is the ultimate victor.

Sub-Method: Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock

For an even more exciting twist, introduce the iconic moves from The Big Bang Theory. This expanded version adds a layer of complexity to the game, making the number-choosing process a strategic battle.

7. The Coin Toss

Flip a coin and assign a number to each side. Heads could represent an even number, while tails could be an odd one. The outcome of the toss determines your choice.

Sub-Method: Double or Nothing

For a more adventurous approach, continue flipping the coin and adding the outcomes. For example, if heads is 2 and tails is 3, and you flip heads, then tails, your number would be 23.

8. The Number Line Walk

Draw a number line on a piece of paper and place an object (like a coin) at a random point. Close your eyes, walk along the line, and stop at a random point. The number closest to your stopping point is your chosen number.

Sub-Method: Number Line Leap

Instead of walking, take leaps along the number line. This adds a physical element to the process, making it more engaging and memorable.

9. The Random Walk

Take a walk and choose a number based on the houses or buildings you pass. For example, if you pass 5 houses and 2 buildings, your number could be 52.

Sub-Method: Walk and Talk

Engage a friend in conversation during your walk. Every time you discuss a particular topic, add a digit to your number. This method adds a social element to the number-choosing process.

10. The Musical Selection

Create a playlist with songs that have meaningful numbers in their titles or lyrics. Let the shuffle feature of your music player choose a song, and the number featured in the song is your selection.

Sub-Method: Musical Dice

Write down the titles or lyrics of these songs on pieces of paper, fold them, and place them in a hat. Draw a paper, and the number featured in the song becomes your chosen number.

11. The Magical Enigma Machine

Create an enigma machine using a deck of cards. Shuffle the deck and deal out cards face down. Each card represents a digit, and you choose your number by feeling the cards and making a selection.

Sub-Method: The Encrypted Choice

Assign each card a unique digit and create a simple encryption key. For instance, assign A=1, B=2, and so on. Deal out the cards, and the first letter of the card’s suit is your chosen number according to the key.

12. The Cup Game

Take three cups and label them with different numbers. Shuffle the cups rapidly and choose one at random. The number on the chosen cup is your selection.

Sub-Method: Cup Stack

Stack the cups in a pyramid formation and knock them down. The number of cups remaining upright after the stack falls is your chosen number.

13. The Random Number Chart

Create a chart with a range of numbers and assign each number a unique characteristic or event. For example, 1 could be “a sunny day,” and 10 could be “a birthday.” Choose a random characteristic, and the corresponding number is your selection.

Sub-Method: Chart Adventure

Create a more intricate chart with multiple columns. Each column could represent a different category, such as colors, foods, or animals. Choose a random category, and the number associated with that category is your chosen number.

14. The Number Hunt

Go on a number hunt around your home or office. Look for numbers on clocks, calendars, or even on appliances. The first number you find becomes your chosen digit.

Sub-Method: Number Hunt Extravaganza

Set a timer and make it a race against time. The number you find within the allocated time is your chosen number.

15. The Nature’s Number

Step outside and observe nature. Count the number of birds you see within a set time frame, or the number of steps you take to reach a nearby landmark. The resulting number becomes your selection.

Sub-Method: Nature’s Whisper

Assign different numbers to different natural elements. For instance, 1 could be a tree, 2 a flower, and so on. Observe nature and the first element you notice is your chosen number.

16. The Dream Catcher

Keep a dream journal and write down any numbers that appear in your dreams. The next time you need to choose a number, refer to your journal for inspiration.

Sub-Method: Dream Interpretation

Assign different meanings to the numbers that appear in your dreams. For example, 3 could represent creativity, and 7 could symbolize good luck. Interpret the meaning of the number and use it as your guide.

17. The Number Lottery

Create a lottery-style game with numbered balls in a bag. Draw a ball at random, and the number on the ball is your chosen digit.

Sub-Method: Powerball

Add a powerball to the mix. This could be a ball with a special symbol or a unique color. If the powerball is drawn, it multiplies the value of the number on the regular ball, adding an element of excitement.

18. The Time Teller

Check the time and use the last two digits of the hour as your chosen number. For instance, if the time is 3:45 pm, your number would be 45.

Sub-Method: Time Warp

Add the minutes to the mix. If the time is 3:45 pm, and you decide to include the minutes, your number could be 453 (3:45).

19. The Book Method

Open a book at random and use the page number as your chosen digit. For added intrigue, use the number of words on the page or the line number as your number.

Sub-Method: Literary Adventure

Assign each chapter of the book a number and draw a chapter at random. The number of the chosen chapter becomes your selected digit.

20. The Calendar Conundrum

Look at a calendar and choose a random date. The day and month of the chosen date become your two-digit number.

Sub-Method: Calendar Quest

Choose a specific year and assign it a unique number. For instance, 2023 could be 23. The day and month of the chosen date, combined with the assigned year number, create a more intricate selection.