How the rules differ
The same vote can pass under one rule and fail under another. With 9 members, 7 present and a vote of 4 yes, 2 no and 1 abstention, a majority of votes cast passes (4 of 6), but a majority of the entire membership fails, because it needs 5 yes votes no matter how many people show up.
- Votes cast counts only yes and no. Abstentions and blank ballots are left out.
- Members present counts everyone in the room who can vote, so an abstention has the same effect as a no.
- Entire membership counts every member who can vote, present or not.
Your bylaws, operating agreement or the law that applies to your organization decide which rule and which quorum you use. This tool does the arithmetic only and isn't legal advice.
Record it in the minutes
Write the motion as stated, who made it and the result. For a counted vote, include the numbers, as in the line above. The board meeting minutes template and the HOA meeting minutes template show where it goes, and a sign-in sheet is the usual record of who was present for the quorum.
Add this calculator to your website
You can put this calculator on an association, club or church website, or a page of resources for board members. Copy the code below into any page that accepts HTML. It works the same as here, and nothing your visitors type leaves their browser.
Questions people ask
Do abstentions count as no votes?
Not under the usual rule. A majority or two-thirds "of votes cast" counts only yes and no votes, so an abstention has no effect. If your bylaws require a majority of members present or of the entire membership, an abstention works like a no, because it doesn't add to the yes votes you need.
What is the default quorum?
When the bylaws say nothing, common parliamentary practice sets the quorum at a majority of the members. Many bylaws set a lower number or a percentage instead, especially for large associations where a majority rarely attends.
Does a tie pass?
No. A tie is not a majority, so the motion fails. Under many rules the chair may vote to make or break a tie, but your bylaws decide whether the chair votes.
Which threshold should I use?
Your bylaws, operating agreement or the law that governs your organization decide. Routine motions usually need a majority of votes cast; ending debate, suspending rules and some bylaw changes often need two-thirds. This calculator shows the math, not legal advice.