Calculate the combination of wins and opponent losses needed to clinch a title or playoff spot.
Standings Info
Result
About this calculator
Quick Reference
MLB Season162 Games
NBA Season82 Games
NHL Season82 Games
Overview
The 'Magic Number' represents the combination of wins by the leading team and losses by the trailing team needed for the leader to clinch a specific spot (division title, playoff berth, etc.).
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Pro Tips
Every time the leader wins, the Magic Number goes down by 1.
Every time the opponent loses, the Magic Number goes down by 1.
When the number hits 0, the spot is mathematically secured.
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Fun Facts
"The concept is most famously used in Major League Baseball."
"A Magic Number applies to a specific opponent, usually the second-place team."
"Negative magic numbers indicate how many games a team has already clinched by."
