What is the 80% rule for churches?

The 80% rule says that when your worship space is about 80% full, most people feel like the room is “full,” even if there are still open seats. At this point, new visitors may feel crowded and may not come back. When your main service reaches around 80% capacity often, it is wise to add another service, start a new venue, or think about a larger space. This helps people find seats easily and feel welcome. For pastors, watching this 80% mark is a simple way to know when it is time to plan for healthy, steady growth.