Calculate how many tracks you need for your set based on duration and style
You need
18
tracks
17.1
tracks per hour
60m
playing time
One of the most common mistakes beginner DJs make is showing up to a gig underprepared. Whether it's a 1-hour warm-up slot or an 8-hour marathon set, knowing exactly how many tracks you need ensures you'll never run out of music — or worse, repeat tracks in the same set. Our set planner calculator takes the guesswork out of preparation.
The number of tracks you need depends on several factors: your mixing style, average track length, mix overlap duration, and any breaks you might take. Our calculator factors in all these variables to give you an accurate estimate tailored to your specific situation.
EDM and festival sets typically use shorter track segments (2-3 minutes) with quick transitions, while deep house and minimal techno DJs often let tracks play 6-8 minutes. Your genre largely determines this parameter.
When you blend two tracks, they overlap. A 30-second overlap is standard for most genres, but long-form mixing styles may overlap for 60-90 seconds. This overlap effectively reduces the number of tracks needed.
For sets longer than 2 hours, factor in bathroom and drink breaks. Many DJs use 5-10 minute breaks every 90 minutes. During extended sets, this can add up to 30-45 minutes of non-playing time.
Always prepare 20-30% more tracks than calculated. This gives you flexibility to read the crowd, skip tracks that don't fit the vibe, and handle requests without stress.
| Set Duration | House (6min avg) | EDM (3min avg) | Open Format (2.5min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 10-12 tracks | 18-22 tracks | 22-26 tracks |
| 2 hours | 20-24 tracks | 36-44 tracks | 44-52 tracks |
| 4 hours | 38-46 tracks | 70-85 tracks | 85-100 tracks |
| 8 hours | 75-90 tracks | 140-170 tracks | 170-200 tracks |
Our set planner generates a markdown checklist you can download and use during preparation. This checklist includes blank slots for each track position, allowing you to plan your set order in advance. Many professional DJs use similar systems to organize their sets — especially for big events where every track matters.
It depends on the gig. For main room festival slots, many DJs plan exact track orders. For club sets and parties, it's better to have organized crates but read the crowd in real-time. The checklist helps with preparation either way.
This is why buffer tracks are essential. If you're regularly running short, you may be playing tracks shorter than expected or taking longer breaks. Adjust your parameters and always bring more music than you think you'll need.
If you're playing an open format or wedding set, expect requests. Your buffer tracks give you flexibility. Some DJs create a dedicated "request" folder with crowd-pleasers they can drop at any point.
If you're playing the same venue regularly, avoid repeating your entire set. Rotate 50-70% new material between performances. For residencies, track your played history to ensure variety.