The rules behind the results.
How many matches will you need?
For n competitors playing once, the total is n × (n − 1) ÷ 2. Six teams therefore need 15 matches; home and away doubles that to 30. The number grows quickly, so consider available time before adding every possible entrant.
Odd numbers and rest rounds
An odd-sized league includes a rest slot each round. With five teams, each round has two matches and one team resting. This is a scheduling rest, not a win or a penalty.
Home and away
The return leg reverses each pairing. Labels indicate competitor A and competitor B; you can use these as home and away when that suits your sport. Travel and venue availability still need the organiser’s judgement.
Scheduling your playing areas
Assign a time, duration and court, pitch or table to each fixture. Overlapping assignments for the same area or a known competitor are rejected. The generator does not optimise travel, rest intervals, officials or venue opening hours.
Compare match counts before choosing your format
For n entrants, a knockout needs n − 1 played matches to find a champion. A single round robin needs n × (n − 1) ÷ 2 matches; home and away doubles that figure. A third-place playoff adds one match to a knockout.
| Entrants | Knockout | Single round robin | Home and away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 6 | 12 |
| 6 | 5 | 15 | 30 |
| 8 | 7 | 28 | 56 |
| 12 | 11 | 66 | 132 |
| 16 | 15 | 120 | 240 |
Eight teams need seven knockout matches or 28 single round-robin fixtures. Choose knockout for a shorter event; choose round robin when playing every opponent matters. Court availability, rest periods and dependent rounds still affect the schedule.
Keep your work
Download a JSON backup or save in the browser workspace before closing your quick tool. Browser storage can be cleared and does not sync between devices. Print to paper or your browser’s Save as PDF destination; CSV exports work in spreadsheet software.