How to use it
- Type each finished match on its own line, for example Red Falcons 2-1 Blue Wave.
- Set Points for a win, Points for a draw and Points for a loss; the usual values are 3, 1 and 0.
- Choose the Tie-break order, which decides how teams level on points are separated.
- Read the Standings. Teams with the same position are level on every criterion.
How the table is built
Each match gives points to both teams: the winner gets the points for a win, both teams get the points for a draw, and the loser gets the points for a loss. The standings sort the teams by points, and teams level on points are separated by the tie-break you choose.
In a round-robin league every team meets every other team, and the table is the result. The Wikipedia article on round-robin tournaments describes the common tie-breakers as the aggregate scores in the matches between the tied teams, and the aggregate scores across all matches.
Goal difference = goals scored − goals conceded
Points = win points × wins + draw points × draws + loss points × losses
Example: a 2-1 win gives the winner 3 points and goal difference +1, and the loser 0 points and −1.- Goal difference, then goals scored: teams level on points are ordered by goal difference over all matches, then by goals scored over all matches.
- Head-to-head first: teams level on points are ordered first by the points, goal difference and goals scored in the matches between them, then by goal difference and goals scored over all matches. The head-to-head table is worked out once, for the teams that are still level.
What this table does not apply
- The tie-break order of any particular competition. Competitions set their own order, which can differ from the two offered here.
- Other tie-breakers, such as fair play points, away goals, a play-off or a drawing of lots.
- Points deducted or added as a penalty, and matches that were not played.
Worked example: the sample table
Red Falcons won two matches and drew one: 2 × 3 + 1 × 1 = 7 points, from 5 goals scored and 3 conceded, a goal difference of +2.
Northern Stars have 5 points from one win and two draws, with a goal difference of +2 as well. Red Falcons are first because they have more points.
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red Falcons | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
| 2 | Northern Stars | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| 3 | Blue Wave | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | Silver Lions | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
How many points is a win worth?
The usual values are 3 for a win, 1 for a draw and 0 for a loss. Enter the values your competition uses; any whole numbers are accepted, so a different scheme can be modelled.
What is goal difference?
The goals a team scored minus the goals it conceded in all its matches. A team that scored 5 and conceded 3 has a goal difference of +2.
What is the difference between the two tie-break orders?
Goal difference looks at all matches first. Head-to-head looks first at the matches between the teams that are level on points. The two orders can rank teams differently, which is why each competition states its own order.
Why do two teams share a position?
They are level on points, goal difference and goals scored, and on the head-to-head matches too when that tie-break is chosen. The next team takes the position after the shared one, as in competition ranking.
Does the calculator check the results?
It checks the form of each line and that no team plays itself. It cannot tell whether a score is correct, so enter the official results.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Round-robin tournament, common tie-breakers in a league
- Wikipedia: League table, ranking with ties (competition ranking)
Figures and text last checked on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.