Tournament Bracket Generator
List the entrants with the best seed first. You get a seeded bracket with byes where the number is not a power of two, and an optional losers bracket.
Worked examples
Six entrants, single elimination
Six players
A bracket of 8 places with 2 byes and 5 matches to play
Seeds 1 and 2 have the byes and go straight to the semi-finals.
Eight entrants, double elimination
Eight players
14 matches, plus a replay of the grand final if needed
Three winners rounds, four losers rounds and the grand final.
About Tournament Bracket Generator
A knockout bracket decides a winner with the fewest matches. In single elimination each match sends one player through and the other home, so a field of 8 needs just 7 matches. This generator seeds the entrants, places them so that the strongest cannot meet before the late rounds, and gives byes to the top seeds when the number of entrants is not a power of two. Print the result and put it on the wall.
Double elimination gives everyone a second chance. Players who lose in the main bracket drop into a losers bracket, and a player is out only after losing twice. The winner of the losers bracket meets the main bracket winner in the grand final, and if the player from the losers side wins, a second match decides the title. It takes more matches, but it is fairer to a good player who has an off day.
How to use Tournament Bracket Generator
- List the entrants, one per line, with the best seed first. Press Shuffle for a random draw.
- Choose single or double elimination and add a third place match if you want one.
- Check the number of byes and matches to play.
- Press Print the bracket, or copy the details into your own notes.
Common uses
- Running a table tennis, darts or pool knockout at a club
- Drawing a school sports day competition
- Setting up an esports or board game tournament
- Seeing how many rounds and byes a field needs
Frequently asked questions
What is a bye?
A place in the draw with no opponent. The entrant paired with it goes straight into the next round. Byes go to the top seeds.
How many matches does a bracket need?
A single elimination bracket needs one fewer match than the number of entrants. Double elimination needs about twice as many, 2n minus 2 for a full bracket, and one more if the grand final is replayed.
How does seeding work?
Seed 1 is placed to meet the lowest seed in round one, seed 2 on the other side of the draw, and so on, so that the top seeds can meet only in the later rounds. In a bracket of 8 the first round pairs 1 and 8, 4 and 5, 2 and 7, and 3 and 6.
Why are there 8 places for 5 entrants?
A bracket needs a power of two places so that every round halves the field. Three byes fill the gap, and seeds 1, 2 and 3 take them.
How does the losers bracket work?
Each loser from the main bracket drops into a set place in the losers bracket, shown on the page as Loser of a match. Losers play each other, and the survivors take on the next wave of drops. Players may be re-ordered at a drop to avoid an immediate rematch.