MLB regular-season games
How many games are in an MLB season? The 162-game schedule explained
Each MLB team is scheduled for 162 regular-season games. Across 30 clubs, that creates 2,430 games because every matchup appears once on each team's schedule. Spring Training, the All-Star Game, and the postseason sit outside the 162-game total.
Sources and resources
- Official 2026 MLB schedule release — MLB's dates, league-wide events, special-site games, and other details for the 2026 regular season.
- Official MLB balanced-schedule explainer — MLB's explanation of the 162-game format and why every club now faces all 29 other teams.
- Official MLB 2,430-game reference — MLB's published count for a full 30-team regular-season schedule.
How many games does each MLB team play?
Each of MLB's 30 teams is scheduled for 162 regular-season games. That is the number used for a full team season, standings, and common season-rate comparisons.
The 162 games run from Opening Day through the final day of the regular season. A team's postseason games are added afterward only if it qualifies.
- 162 regular-season games per team.
- 30 MLB teams.
- 2,430 regular-season games across the league.
Why are there 2,430 MLB games instead of 4,860?
Multiplying 30 teams by 162 gives 4,860 team appearances. Every actual game has two teams, so that multiplication counts each matchup twice.
Divide 4,860 by two and the standard league total is 2,430 regular-season games.
- 30 teams × 162 scheduled games = 4,860 team appearances.
- 4,860 ÷ 2 teams in each game = 2,430 games.
Does 162 include Spring Training or the playoffs?
No. The 162-game count covers only the regular season. Spring Training is a separate preseason schedule, and the All-Star Game is an exhibition outside a club's record.
Postseason games are also separate. A team that reaches the Wild Card Series, Division Series, League Championship Series, or World Series will play more than 162 scheduled games across the full year.
Do MLB teams play every other team?
Yes. MLB introduced its more balanced schedule in 2023, giving every club at least one series against each of the other 29 teams during the regular season.
Teams still play division opponents more often than any one non-division opponent. The broader opponent mix gives fans more chances to see clubs and star players from the other league.
How many home and away games does a team have?
A standard 162-game schedule gives a club 81 designated home games and 81 away games. A designated home game does not always take place at the club's usual ballpark.
MLB can place regular-season games at special or neutral sites. In 2026, for example, the Athletics are the home club for two series at Las Vegas Ballpark even though their main home schedule is at Sutter Health Park.
Can a team finish with fewer than 162 games played?
The schedule starts at 162, but games can be postponed, suspended, or moved. MLB usually reschedules a postponement or completes a suspended game when it affects the season.
That is why 162 is best described as the scheduled total. A standings page can show fewer games during the season, and rare circumstances can leave a club below 162 completed games.
What share of a 162-game season did you attend?
A few trips can add up to a meaningful fan season. Divide the number of games you attended by 162, then multiply by 100 to compare it with one club's full regular-season schedule.
The percentage is only a reference if your games involve several teams. Your own record matters more: the dates, parks, opponents, seats, people, and moments you saw.
- 1 game: 0.6% of a 162-game schedule.
- 5 games: 3.1%.
- 10 games: 6.2%.
- 20 games: 12.3%.
- 81 games: 50%.
Keep the games you attended
A league schedule contains 2,430 games, but a fan's season is the smaller set witnessed in person. Gamebook turns those games into a searchable record instead of a loose collection of tickets and photos.
Log each completed game with its final score, ballpark, section, row, seat, players, home runs, companions, photos, and memory. Gamebook then builds your team records, ballpark passport, and lifetime baseball history.
Common questions
How many games are in an MLB season?
Each MLB team is scheduled for 162 regular-season games. Across 30 teams, that creates a standard league schedule of 2,430 games.
Why does MLB play 2,430 games?
Thirty teams multiplied by 162 games equals 4,860 team appearances. Each game has two teams, so dividing by two gives 2,430 games.
How many home games does an MLB team play?
A standard schedule has 81 designated home games and 81 away games. Some designated home games can take place at special or neutral sites.
Does the 162-game MLB season include playoffs?
No. The 162 games are the regular season. Spring Training, the All-Star Game, and postseason rounds are separate.
Does every MLB team play every other team?
Yes. Under the more balanced schedule introduced in 2023, each club faces all 29 other MLB teams during the regular season.
Can an MLB team play more than 162 games?
Yes. A playoff team adds postseason games after its 162-game regular-season schedule.
Can an MLB team finish with fewer than 162 games played?
Yes, though it is rare. The schedule begins at 162, but postponements or other unusual circumstances can leave a club with fewer completed games.
How can I track the MLB games I attended?
Log each completed game in Gamebook with its score, ballpark, seat, players, home runs, companions, photos, and memory.