> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.uplifter.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How do I limit the size of a waitlist?

> Set a Maximum Waitlist Size so only so many families can line up for a full program.

<Note>
  **Must know**

  * Available on plans that include **Waitlists** — if you don't see the Waitlist step, ask your Uplifter contact.
  * Leaving **Maximum Waitlist Size** empty means an unlimited waitlist.
  * This is separate from the program's enrollment capacity: it caps how many can *wait*, not how many can *enroll*.
</Note>

Once a waitlist is enabled, you can decide how long the line is allowed to get.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Waitlist tab">
    Go to **Registrations → Programs** and open the program's settings — click the gear (**Configure**) icon on the program card, or open the program and click the **Settings** button. Then click the **Waitlist** tab and make sure **Enable Waitlist** is on. (A still-draft program opens on its **Edit Program** page instead, where Waitlist is a step.)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Maximum Waitlist Size">
    Enter a number in the **Maximum Waitlist Size** field ("Limit how many people can join the waitlist. Leave empty for unlimited."). Leave it blank for no cap.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Save the program. The cap takes effect immediately.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Once the waitlist reaches its maximum, families see the waitlist as full and can't join it — the same way a full program with no waitlist turns people away. This keeps the line realistic when the odds of a spot opening are low.

Keep in mind this cap is independent of **Maximum Capacity**, the number of athletes who can actually be enrolled. A program with capacity 12 and a waitlist size of 5 can hold 12 enrolled plus up to 5 waiting.

**Related:** [How do I turn on a waitlist for a program?](/club/waitlists/how-do-i-turn-on-a-waitlist-for-a-program) · [How do I set a program's capacity?](/club/programs-classes/set-capacity-and-waitlist) · [What do families see when a program is full?](/club/waitlists/what-do-families-see-when-a-program-is-full)