Graduation Seating Chart

Plan commencement seating: graduates in the order they cross the stage, row by row up front, guests behind, and printed lists for the marshals. Free, no sign-up.

  • Free, no sign-up
  • Graduates in order
  • Guests behind
  • Lists for marshals
Example
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Get started

  1. Choose how to start
  2. Add your guests
  3. Set up your chairs
  4. Seat everyone
  5. Print or share

Step 1 of 5: Choose how to start. What you see is an example. Click the others below to see what you can make, then keep a layout for your own names or start with an empty room.You’re looking at an example. Try the others, then pick one or start blank.

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Every rule is met

How to make a graduation seating chart

  1. Lay out the rows. Start from the example (graduates in the front rows, guests behind) and set the rows to match your hall.
  2. Add the graduates. Paste the graduates in the order they will cross the stage, usually by last name, and tag them as graduates.
  3. Keep the order. Seat the graduates row by row in that order, so each row can stand and walk to the stage in turn.
  4. Add the guests. Add reserved guests behind, or leave guest rows open.
  5. Print the lists. Download the PDF: the rows with names for the marshals and an alphabetical list for the graduates.

The chart above is a graduation with 60 graduates in alphabetical order in rows A to F, facing the stage, and 52 guests in the rows behind. A rule keeps the graduates in their rows. Press Use this layout to keep the rows and clear the example names.

Seating graduates in order

Graduates sit in the order their names are read, so each row stands and walks to the stage in turn. Sort your list (by last name, or by degree then name) in a spreadsheet, paste it, and seat the graduates row by row: the first ten in row A, and so on. Mark the row ends for the marshals, and leave an aisle seat for any graduate who needs step-free access to the stage.

Lists for the marshals

Download PDF prints the rows with names and an alphabetical list, so marshals can line up each row and graduates can find their seat. For a theater or auditorium with numbered seats, see the auditorium and theater seating chart maker.

Graduation seating chart template

A graduation plan: sixty graduates in alphabetical order in the front six rows facing the stage, and guests in the rows behind.
Graduation · 60 graduates, 52 guests
With names: Letter · A4 · Blank: Letter · A4

Frequently asked questions

How are graduates seated at commencement?

Usually in the order their names are read, often alphabetical by last name or grouped by degree, filling the front rows from one end, so each row stands and walks to the stage in turn.

Can I sort the graduates alphabetically?

Paste them already sorted (a spreadsheet sorts by last name in one click) and seat them row by row; the alphabetical list in the PDF is sorted for you.

Where do the guests sit?

Behind the graduates or in a balcony. Most ceremonies leave guest seating open; reserve rows for families who need step-free seats and lock them.

How many graduates per row?

As many as the row holds, often 10 to 20. Shorter rows make lining up quicker; mark row ends for the marshals.

Does it work for a graduation party?

Yes. For a party with tables, use the party seating chart maker instead. Open the party seating chart maker.

Is there a graduation seating chart template?

Yes. Download the PDFs below, with names or blank, or press Use this layout above to keep the rows.