How to use the tool

1. Enter venue capacity in the “Venue Capacity” field.
   Example A: 1 000 seats.
   Example B: 600-person hall.
2. Optional—add flow rates to forecast timing.
   Example A: Arrival = 8 people/min, Exit = 3 people/min.
   Example B: Arrival = 4 people/min, Exit = 1 person/min.
3. Pick warning & danger thresholds. Try 80 % and 95 % to mimic many fire marshals’ triggers.
4. Count attendees. Click “Entry” or press “+” for every entrant; click “Exit” or press “–” for every exit.
5. Watch the dashboard. It shows live count, occupancy %, remaining spots, colour-coded bar, and projected “time-to-full.”
6. Need a correction? Type the real number in “Manual Count Override” and press “Set Count.”

Example calculation

With capacity = 1 000, current count = 830, warning = 80 %, danger = 95 %:

• Occupancy % = 830 / 1 000 × 100 = 83 % (warning zone).
• Remaining spots = 1 000 – 830 = 170.
• If net flow = 8 – 3 = 5 people/min, full venue in 170 ÷ 5 ≈ 34 minutes.

Quick-Facts

• Standing-room load factor: 7 ft² per person (NFPA 101, 2021).
• Average 10 % of attendees arrive each minute during first ten minutes (Eventbrite Guide, 2022).
• OSHA requires two exits when occupant load exceeds 500 (OSHA 1910.36, 2023).
• People-counting systems cost a median US$1 200 per door (Grand View Research, 2022).

FAQ

What does the attendee counter track?

The tool logs every entry and exit to display live head-count, occupancy percentage, remaining capacity, and a colour-coded risk alert.

Which formulas power the dashboard?

It divides current count by capacity to get occupancy %. Remaining = capacity – count. Time-to-full is remaining ÷ (arrival – exit) when net flow is positive.

How do arrival and exit rates improve planning?

Adding flow rates lets the system forecast when you will hit warning or danger levels so staff can stagger doors or pause ticket sales.

Why set custom warning and danger thresholds?

Thresholds create early alerts well before legal capacity, giving you time to redirect crowds and comply with fire-safety margins (ICC Section 1004, 2021).

Can I correct a miscount?

Yes. Type the verified number into “Manual Count Override” and click “Set Count.” The chart and statistics update instantly.

Is the tool compliant with fire codes?

The counter aids compliance by keeping you under the occupancy limit; actual legality still depends on following NFPA 101 egress, signage and exit width rules (NFPA 101, 2021).

Does it store my data?

It saves settings and counts locally in your browser storage only; nothing is sent to a server.

Can I use keyboard shortcuts during busy entry?

Press “+” or “=” for each entrant, “–” for each exit, and “Ctrl + R” to reset. Shortcuts spare you mouse clicks when doors open.