270 to Win
The majority of 538 total electoral votes a presidential candidate must reach to be elected president.
To win the US presidency, a candidate must receive at least 270 of the 538 available electoral votes - a simple majority. This threshold is often referred to as '270 to win.'
The total of 538 electoral votes is fixed: 435 corresponding to House seats, 100 for Senate seats (two per state), and 3 for Washington D.C. under the 23rd Amendment.
If no candidate reaches 270 electoral votes - which can happen if a third-party candidate wins electoral votes, or if certain state splits occur - the House of Representatives chooses the president in what is called a contingent election, with each state delegation casting one vote.
Example
On November 7, 2028, Election Day, results will be tallied state by state. As each state is called, its electoral votes are added to each candidate's running total until one reaches 270.
Keep learning
The system of 538 electors who formally elect the US president; a candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win.
A vote cast by an Electoral College elector toward electing the president; each state's electors equal its House seats plus two Senate seats.
An Electoral College elector who casts a vote for a different candidate than the one they were pledged to support.