Quorum Calculator – Calculate Meeting Quorum Requirements
Calculate meeting quorum requirements and attendance status
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter the total number of members
- Select quorum type: simple majority (50%), two-thirds (66.67%), or custom
- If custom, enter the required percentage
- Optionally enter current attendance to check quorum status
- Click calculate to see required attendees and quorum status
What is a Quorum?
A quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present at a meeting to make the proceedings valid. Without a quorum, decisions made at the meeting may not be legally binding.
Quorum requirements ensure that decisions are made with adequate representation and prevent a small minority from making major decisions on behalf of the entire group.
Common Quorum Types
| Type | Percentage | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Majority | 50% | Most common for regular meetings and routine decisions |
| Two-Thirds | 66.67% | Important decisions, constitutional changes, or special resolutions |
| Absolute Majority | More than 50% | Critical decisions requiring broader consensus |
| Custom | Varies | Organization-specific requirements defined in bylaws |
Quorum Best Practices
- Always check your organization's bylaws for specific quorum requirements
- Send meeting notices well in advance to ensure adequate attendance
- Take attendance at the start of the meeting and verify quorum
- If quorum is lost during the meeting, business should be suspended
- Keep accurate records of attendance for meeting minutes
- Consider video conferencing attendance if permitted by bylaws
- Have a clear procedure for adjourning if quorum is not met
How to Calculate Quorum
To calculate quorum, multiply the total number of members by the required percentage and round up to the nearest whole number. For example, with 25 members and a 50% quorum requirement: 25 × 0.50 = 12.5, rounded up to 13 members required.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens if quorum is not met?
- If quorum is not met, the meeting typically cannot conduct official business. The meeting may be adjourned to a later date, or members may discuss matters informally without making binding decisions.
- Does the chairperson count toward quorum?
- Yes, in most cases the chairperson counts as a member for quorum purposes. Check your organization's bylaws for specific rules.
- Can quorum be lost during a meeting?
- Yes, if members leave and the number drops below the required quorum, the meeting should be suspended until quorum is restored or the meeting should be adjourned.
- How do I set the right quorum percentage for my organization?
- Consider your organization's size, meeting frequency, and the importance of decisions. Smaller groups often use higher percentages (60-75%), while larger organizations may use lower percentages (30-50%) to ensure meetings can proceed.
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