Organizers ask this before booking venues and referees. The answer depends only on team count and whether you run single or double round robin.
The formula
Single round robin: Games = n × (n − 1) ÷ 2
Double round robin: Games = n × (n − 1)
Rounds (single): n − 1 for even teams; n rounds for odd teams (with BYEs)
Games by team count (single RR)
| Teams (n) | Games | Rounds |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 3 |
| 5 | 10 | 5 |
| 6 | 15 | 5 |
| 8 | 28 | 7 |
| 10 | 45 | 9 |
| 12 | 66 | 11 |
| 16 | 120 | 15 |
Odd teams and BYEs
With an odd number of teams, one team sits out each round (BYE). Total games still follow n×(n−1)/2. RobinDraw inserts BYE slots automatically so you don't have to manual schedule rests.
Plan venue time
- Multiply games × average match duration
- Divide by number of parallel courts
- Add buffer for breaks and overtime rules
- Use the calculator page for quick what-if numbers
FAQ
Why divide by 2 in the formula?
Each game involves two teams. Summing each team's (n−1) opponents counts every game twice, so we divide by 2.
How many games per round with 8 teams?
Four games per round — half the teams play while the other four could rest if you schedule that way.
Where can I calculate this automatically?
Use the RobinDraw formula page or calculator — enter team count and format to see games, rounds, and games per round instantly.