Calculator inputs
Choose a method, enter your assumptions, then calculate capacity.
Example data table
| Scenario | Method | Key inputs | Estimated total capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-size bowl | Layout | 12 sections, 28 rows, 30 seats/row, 2 levels | ≈ 20,160 (before suites/standing) |
| Full bowl concept | Geometry | Inner 28 m, Outer 50 m, 300°, 10 aisles, 4 vomitories | Varies with seat width and row spacing |
| Event add-ons | Any | + 20 suites × 14 seats, + 1,000 m² standing | Adds suites + standing to bowl seating |
Examples are illustrative for planning. Always verify with final geometry, code requirements, and operations plans.
Formula used
Layout method
- Gross bowl seats = Sections × Rows per section × Seats per row (per section) × Levels
- Holdback seats = ceil(Gross × Holdback%)
- Effective bowl seats = floor((Gross − Holdback) × Operational%)
- Total venue capacity = Effective bowl + Suite seats + Standing capacity
Geometry method
- Arc length = 2π × Average radius × (Coverage angle / 360)
- Usable arc = Arc length − (Aisles × Aisle width) − (Vomitories × Vomitory width)
- Seats per row = floor(Usable arc / Seat width)
- Rows = floor((Outer radius − Inner radius) / Row spacing)
- Gross bowl seats = Seats per row × Rows × Levels
The footprint estimate multiplies gross seats by seat width and row spacing to approximate seating plan area. It is a planning proxy, not a detailed takeoff.
How to use this calculator
- Pick Layout if you know sections, rows, and seats per row.
- Pick Geometry if you have radii, arc coverage, and aisle/vomitory data.
- Set units, levels, seat width, and row spacing based on your concept.
- Add holdback and operational factor to reflect real event constraints.
- Include suites and standing zones for complete venue totals.
- Calculate, then export CSV or PDF to share assumptions.
Stadium seating capacity planning guidance
1) Start with the right measurement inputs
Capacity studies begin with consistent geometry and seating assumptions. Use the layout approach when you know the number of sections, rows, and average seats per row. Use the geometry approach when you only know bowl radii and the coverage angle. For either approach, keep units consistent and document tiers, because capacity scales linearly with levels.
2) Convert geometry into seats per row and row count
In concept design, usable arc length is the key driver for seats per row. The calculator estimates arc length at the average radius, then subtracts aisle and opening widths to produce usable seating length. Seats per row are then the usable length divided by seat width. Total rows come from radial depth divided by row spacing.
3) Apply operational reductions early
Theoretical capacity rarely equals event capacity. Holdback seats represent fixed blocks for cameras, sponsor platforms, safety buffers, or restricted views. The operational factor models event-specific restrictions and partial bowl operation. Using both inputs helps teams communicate a realistic “effective bowl” capacity during budget and schedule reviews.
4) Add premium and standing inventory transparently
Suites add seats that are typically independent of bowl seating, so they are added to the effective bowl count. Standing zones are converted to headcount using area per person, which should be conservative and aligned with stewarding, sightlines, and egress planning. Separating these quantities reduces confusion when comparing mixed-use event scenarios.
5) Track accessibility targets as a managed subset
Accessible seating is reported as a target share within effective bowl seating, with companion seats linked by ratio. This keeps targets visible without double-counting capacity. Use the results to set early design objectives, then confirm final layouts against local regulations, the owner brief, and the venue operations plan.
FAQs
1) Which method is best for early design?
Use Geometry for concept sizing when you have radii and an angle. Use Layout once sections, rows, and average seats per row are established.
2) What does holdback percentage mean?
It reserves seats for cameras, sponsor platforms, safety buffers, or operational block-offs. The calculator subtracts holdback from gross bowl seats before applying the operational factor.
3) Why do aisles and openings reduce seats per row?
They consume arc length that cannot hold seats. Subtracting aisle and opening widths from the arc produces a more realistic usable seating length for estimating seats per row.
4) Are suites included in bowl seating?
Suites are typically separate premium inventory. The calculator adds suite seats to the effective bowl seats to produce the total venue capacity.
5) How should I choose area per person for standing zones?
Use conservative values that match the event concept, stewarding, and comfort goals. Lower area per person increases headcount, but may be unrealistic without strong crowd management.
6) Do accessible and companion seats increase capacity?
No. They are reported as a target subset within effective bowl seating. This keeps accessibility planning visible while avoiding double-counting in the total capacity.
7) Is this calculator a code compliance check?
It is a planning tool for scenario comparison and early budgeting. Final designs must be verified against local regulations, egress requirements, and detailed seating layouts.