🎲 Probability & Fairness
Is flipping a coin actually 50/50?
Our virtual coin flip is exactly 50/50. We use the Web Crypto API which provides cryptographically secure random numbers - the same technology used in encryption. Physical coins can have slight biases (studies show ~51/49), but our digital coin is perfectly fair.
Are coin flips truly random?
Yes! We use crypto.getRandomValues() which generates true random numbers from your device's entropy sources (hardware noise, timing, etc.). This is far superior to pseudo-random algorithms and provides genuine randomness for every flip.
Is heads or tails more likely?
With our virtual coin, neither is more likely - it's exactly 50/50. With physical coins, studies suggest the side facing up before the flip has a ~51% chance of landing up. Some coins are also slightly heavier on one side. Our digital flip eliminates all physical biases.
Is this coin flip rigged?
Absolutely not! The result is determined by cryptographically secure randomness the moment you click flip. We have no way to influence the outcome. Try flipping 1000 times using the multi-flip feature - you'll see results very close to 50/50.
Which is more likely, heads or tails, on a quarter?
On a physical US quarter, studies suggest a very slight bias toward the side that starts facing up. The heads side (with the portrait) is marginally heavier due to more raised metal. However, the difference is tiny (~0.5%) and not meaningful for casual use.
🪙 About Coin Flipping
What does flip a coin mean?
Flipping a coin (or tossing a coin) is a method of making a random decision between two options. One option is assigned to "heads" and one to "tails." The coin is flipped into the air, and whichever side lands facing up determines the outcome. It's been used for thousands of years for fair, random selection.
What does heads or tails mean?
"Heads" refers to the side of a coin showing a person's head or portrait (on US coins, this is the "obverse"). "Tails" is the opposite side, typically showing an emblem, building, or symbol (the "reverse"). The terms come from coins historically featuring rulers' heads on one side.
How to play heads or tails?
1) Each player picks either heads or tails. 2) Flip the coin. 3) The player who picked the side facing up wins! You can also use it for decisions: assign one choice to heads and one to tails, then flip. Our virtual coin makes it easy - just click the button!
Which side is heads on a coin?
On most coins, "heads" is the side with a person's face or head (called the obverse). On US coins, this includes Lincoln (penny), Jefferson (nickel), Roosevelt (dime), Washington (quarter). "Tails" is the other side (reverse) showing buildings, eagles, or symbols.
Is heads or tails good luck?
Different cultures have different beliefs! In some traditions, finding a coin heads-up is lucky. Others say catching the coin brings luck. Some believe the first flip of a new coin predicts fortune. Of course, statistically, neither side is "luckier" - it's pure chance!
💡 Usage & Features
Can you flip a coin for me?
Yes! Just click the "FLIP COIN" button above and we'll flip a virtual coin for you instantly. The result is completely random - a true 50/50 chance of heads or tails. You can flip as many times as you want, it's free!
Does this work offline?
Yes! Once the page loads, the coin flipper works completely offline. All random number generation happens in your browser using your device's built-in randomness. Your flip history is also saved locally, so it persists between sessions.
What is the multi-flip feature?
Multi-flip lets you flip the coin many times instantly (5, 10, 50, 100, or 1000 flips). This is great for: testing probability, settling "best of" games, statistical experiments, or just having fun. Results show you the heads/tails breakdown and percentage.
How to flip a coin properly?
With a physical coin: balance it on your thumb, flick upward, let it spin in the air, then catch or let it land. With our virtual coin: just click the button! We handle the randomness perfectly - no technique required for fair results.
Can I use this for important decisions?
While our coin flip is perfectly random and fair, important life decisions deserve more thought! That said, coin flips can help when you're stuck between two equally good options - sometimes your reaction to the result reveals what you truly wanted.
🎯 Fun Facts
What is the gambler's fallacy?
The mistaken belief that past results affect future flips. If you flip 10 heads in a row, the next flip is STILL 50/50 - the coin has no memory! Each flip is independent. Don't fall for the trap of thinking tails is "due" after a streak of heads.
Why is coin flipping used in sports?
Coin flips provide a fast, fair, publicly verifiable random decision. In sports like football, the coin toss determines who kicks off or receives. In cricket, it decides who bats first. The simplicity and transparency make it universally trusted.
What's the longest recorded streak of heads or tails?
While extremely unlikely, long streaks do occur with enough flips. Mathematician John Kerrich flipped a coin 10,000 times while imprisoned during WWII - his longest streak was 13 of the same side. Getting 20+ in a row has roughly 1 in a million odds!