Quorum Explained: Definition, Best Practices, and Meeting Tips

Key takeaways
* A quorum is the minimum number of members required for a meeting’s decisions to be valid.
* Organizations typically set quorum as a simple majority, but bylaws may specify a different number or percentage.
* Practical measures — clear notice, flexible attendance options, and predictable scheduling — help ensure quorum.
* If quorum isn’t met, attendees have limited options: reschedule, adjourn, recess, or use privileged procedures to restore quorum.

What is a quorum?

A quorum is the minimum number of members who must be present (in person, by proxy, or by permitted remote means) for an organization to conduct official business and make binding decisions. It protects organizations from actions taken by an unrepresentative subset of members.

How quorums typically function

• Default practice is a simple majority of voting members, but bylaws can specify a larger percentage or an absolute number.
• The quorum should balance representativeness with practicality: large enough to reflect member interests but not so large that meetings become difficult to convene.
• Quorum applies to different bodies (boards, shareholder meetings, committees) and may be defined separately for each.

Practical ways to ensure quorum

• Provide ample notice and use calendar invites.
• Survey members and schedule meetings at times that suit most participants.
• Set recurring meeting times to build routine and reduce conflicts.
• Send personal reminders shortly before meetings.
• Be flexible with attendance methods (phone or video conferencing) if bylaws allow remote participation.
• Reassess meeting frequency if attendance drops due to overload.
• Address chronic nonattendance through outreach or review of member responsibilities.

What to do when quorum is not met

When a meeting lacks quorum, common remedies include:
* Adjust the meeting time: postpone or change the adjournment time to allow more members to join.
* Adjourn and reschedule: defer the agenda items to the next meeting when quorum is expected.
* Recess briefly: pause in the hope additional members will join.
* Enact privileged measures: form a committee or use procedural motions (as permitted by bylaws or rules like Robert’s Rules of Order) to contact absent members or otherwise address quorum issues.

Common quorum-related terms

• Quorum call — A procedural check to confirm whether the required number of members is present before proceeding.
• Rolling quorum — A method that allows quorum to be satisfied by members participating at different times or through a mix of in-person and remote attendance.
• Required number — Varies by organization; commonly at least half of voting members, but some bylaws specify a fixed number (e.g., “at least seven board members”).

Real-world examples

• Corporations: Many public companies set shareholder quorum as a majority of shares entitled to vote and board quorum as a majority of directors. If a board quorum is not present, those in attendance may typically adjourn the meeting.
• U.S. Senate: The Constitution requires a majority of senators (51 in a 100-seat Senate) to be present to conduct business.
• Nonprofit bylaws: Some organizations specify precise quorum thresholds (for example, 75 eligible voting members for certain actions).

Frequently asked questions

Q: How many members are needed for a quorum?
A: It depends on governing documents. A common standard is a simple majority, but bylaws may require a specific percentage or fixed number.

Q: Can remote participants count toward quorum?
A: Yes, if the organization’s bylaws or rules explicitly permit phone or video participation as attendance.

Q: Can business conducted without quorum be later ratified?
A: Practices vary. Some actions taken without quorum are voidable; others may be ratified at a later meeting when quorum is present, depending on bylaws and applicable law.

Bottom line

A well-defined quorum is essential for legitimate, representative decision-making. Organizations should define quorum clearly in their governing documents and adopt practical procedures — notice, scheduling, remote participation options, and follow-up — to avoid delays and maintain effective governance.