Round Robin Generator
8 teams play 7 rounds and 28 matches in a single round robin. With 5 teams there are 5 rounds, because one team has a bye in each round, and 10 matches.
How to use
- Type one team per line (commas also work). Use between 2 and 40 teams. Press Shuffle to randomise the order.
- Choose a single round robin, or a double one where everyone plays twice with home and away swapped.
- Read the rounds, then use Copy to paste the list or Print for a paper schedule. Add a title if you want it printed on the page.
How it works
With n teams, every team meets every other team once, so there are n × (n − 1) ÷ 2 matches. Eight teams give 28 matches.
For an even n the schedule has n − 1 rounds with n ÷ 2 matches each. For an odd n, a "bye" slot is added, so there are n rounds and one team rests in each.
The generator uses the circle method, also called Berger tables: one team stays fixed and the others rotate one place every round, and the teams facing each other across the circle play.
Home and away are spread so that, with an even number of teams, the home and away counts of every team differ by at most one and nobody plays more than three home or three away matches in a row.
A double round robin repeats the whole schedule with home and away reversed, giving n × (n − 1) matches.
Example: four teams
Teams A to D give three rounds of two matches. In each round the team on the left is at home.
| Round | Matches |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | A - D, B - C |
| Round 2 | D - B, C - A |
| Round 3 | C - D, B - A |
Tips for running a league
- Add the number of rounds to your calendar first. With 8 teams and one round a week that is 7 weeks for a single round robin and 14 for a double.
- If you cannot fit a full double round, a single round robin with a seeded order is the usual compromise.
- For many teams, split into groups and play a round robin in each group, then a knockout between group winners.
FAQ
What is a round robin?
A tournament format where every participant plays every other participant. It is common in leagues and group stages, and it is fair because no one is knocked out early.
What happens with an odd number of teams?
One team has a bye (a rest) in every round. The generator shows who rests in each round, and every team gets exactly one bye.
How many rounds and matches will I get?
Matches: n × (n − 1) ÷ 2 for a single round robin. Rounds: n − 1 for an even number of teams and n for an odd number. A double round robin doubles both.
Does the order I type the teams matter?
It sets the seeding in the table, so different orders give different pairings in each round. Use Shuffle for a random draw. Every order is a valid schedule.
Can I get the same home and away split for everyone?
With an even number of teams the home and away counts differ by at most one in a single round robin. A double round robin gives everyone the same number of home and away matches.
How many teams can I enter?
Up to 40. Team names must be different; "Lions" and "lions" count as the same name.