How Many Baseball Games in a Season? MLB Schedule Explained

By Emma Wilson · March 17, 2029

In Major League Baseball (MLB), each team plays 162 regular-season games, resulting in a total of 2,430 games across the entire league season. This structure has been standard since 1961 for the American League and 1962 for the National League.

Understanding the MLB Regular Season Structure

The length of the Major League Baseball season is one of the most demanding in professional sports. Each of the 30 MLB teams plays 162 games over approximately six months, from late March or early April through September. This totals 2,430 games league-wide during the regular season alone.

Why 162 Games?

The 162-game schedule was adopted to ensure competitive balance and statistical reliability.
It allows for comprehensive inter-division and inter-league matchups.
The extended season tests player endurance, team depth, and strategic management.

This format gives fans consistent daily games and enables broadcasters and sponsors to maintain long-term engagement.

Breakdown of the MLB Season Schedule

The 162-game season is not evenly distributed but structured around divisional, league, and interleague play. Here's how the typical season is organized:

Matchup Type	Number of Games	Frequency	Teams Involved
Divisional Games	76	Home and away series against 4 rivals	Within same division (5 teams)
League Games (Non-Divisional)	66	Rotating opponents within same league	Other divisions in AL or NL
Interleague Play	20	Fixed rotating matchup + natural rivals	American vs. National League

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates that over 46% of games are intra-division, intensifying rivalries and playoff implications. Interleague play adds fan interest by featuring cross-league matchups such as the Subway Series (Yankees vs. Mets) or Freeway Series (Angels vs. Dodgers).

Postseason Expansion and Its Impact

Beyond the 162-game regular season, MLB expanded its postseason format starting in 2022. As of 2025, 12 teams qualify—six from each league—increasing the number of potential playoff games.

Wild Card Series: Best-of-three (adds up to 6 games)
Division Series: Best-of-five (up to 10 games per league)
Championship Series: Best-of-seven (up to 14 games per league)
World Series: Best-of-seven (maximum 7 games)

In a full postseason run, a team can play up to 17 additional games, bringing their total to 179 games in a single year if they reach the World Series.

Frequently Asked Questions About MLB Season Length

How many baseball games does each MLB team play in a season?

Each MLB team plays 162 regular-season games. This has been the standard since the early 1960s, with slight variations only due to strikes or pandemics, such as the shortened 60-game season in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Why does MLB play 162 games compared to other sports?

MLB’s 162-game season balances competitive fairness, player development, and revenue generation. The long season minimizes the impact of short-term luck and emphasizes consistency, while providing nearly daily games that support broadcasting contracts and fan engagement.

Has the number of games in an MLB season changed over time?

Yes. The schedule evolved from 154 games (1920–1960) to 162 games when both leagues expanded to 10 teams. Further adjustments occurred in 1981, 1994, and 2020 due to labor disputes and health crises, including a 60-game season in 2020.

How many total games are played in MLB each season?

With 30 teams each playing 162 games, the total number of regular-season games is 2,430. This count includes all interdivision, intraleague, and interleague matchups scheduled annually.

Do spring training and postseason games count toward the season total?

No. Spring training consists of about 30 exhibition games and does not count toward official records. Postseason games are separate and only played by qualifying teams. The 162-game total refers strictly to the regular season.