Formula and example
How it is calculated
Matches=n(n−1)/2 per single round-robin. The match rounds number n−1 for even n, otherwise n. Slots per round=ceil(⌊n/2⌋/courts).
Worked example
Six teams play 15 matches over five rounds. With two courts, each round takes two slots. At 20 minutes per match and 5 minutes between slots, the total is 245 minutes.
Things to check
- The next round begins only after all matches in the previous round end. This is a transparent schedule, not an optimisation of the shortest possible duration.
- No break is added after the last slot. Changing time, award ceremonies and extra rest need separate allowances.
Frequently asked questions
What happens with an odd number of teams?
One team has a bye in each round. This creates n rounds instead of n−1, while the total match count remains n(n−1)/2.