21 Aug 2026
How many points are needed to avoid relegation in the Brasileirão?
In the 20-team Brasileirão league format, there is no fixed points total that guarantees survival. The most commonly used target is 45 points, but the safety line varies depending on the season’s results.
How relegation works in the Brasileirão
The top flight has 20 teams and 38 rounds. At the end of the championship, the bottom four clubs, in 17th to 20th place, are relegated to Série B. Therefore, teams fighting relegation aim to finish at least 16th.
Why 45 points became the survival target
The 45-point mark is considered a safety total because, historically, it has usually been enough to stay outside the relegation zone. With 45 points from 38 matches, a team finishes with a win rate of around 39.5%. That could mean, for example, 12 wins, nine draws and 17 defeats.
Do 45 points guarantee survival?
No. The standings depend on the points totals of the teams around the relegation zone. If several clubs nearby put together strong campaigns, the team in 16th may need more points. In other seasons, the points total needed to escape is much lower because the teams at the bottom win few matches.
What points total usually proves enough for survival?
In many editions, teams have stayed up with between 40 and 44 points. Reaching 42 points usually puts a club in a competitive position, but still without a guarantee. With 43 or 44 points, the chances of survival generally increase. The 45-point benchmark exists precisely to reduce dependence on other results.
How to calculate how many points are needed
Subtract your current points total from your chosen target. A team with 31 points aiming for 45 needs 14 more. Then divide that total by the number of rounds remaining to understand the required pace. If seven matches remain, 14 points require an average of two points per game—for example, a run of four wins and two draws.
What decides a tie on points
If two clubs finish with the same points total, the Brasileirão uses tie-breakers. The first is the number of wins, followed by goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head record, fewer red cards, fewer yellow cards and a draw. As a result, wins and goal difference can decide survival even when the table shows the same points total.
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