How to add buffer time between meetings on Calendly

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Buffer time in Calendly prevents back-to-back meetings by adding time gaps before or after your scheduled events. You can set buffer time by editing your event type settings and configuring the 'Buffer Time' option under availability preferences.

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Prerequisites

Active Calendly account
At least one event type created
Admin access to your Calendly settings
Connected calendar integration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Access your Calendly dashboard

Log into your Calendly account and navigate to your main dashboard. Click on Event Types in the left sidebar to view all your available meeting types.

Make sure you're logged in as the account owner or have admin permissions to modify event settings.

Select the event type to modify

From your list of event types, click on the event type where you want to add buffer time. Then click the Edit button or the gear icon next to the event name.

You'll need to configure buffer time separately for each event type you want to modify.

Navigate to availability settings

In the event type editor, scroll down to find the When can people book this event? section. Look for the Buffer Time or Time between meetings option within this section.

Configure buffer time before meetings

Click on the Buffer time before dropdown menu. Select your desired time interval from options like 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 1 hour. This prevents meetings from being scheduled too close to your existing appointments.

Consider setting at least 5-10 minutes before meetings to account for technical setup or preparation time.

Set buffer time after meetings

Click on the Buffer time after dropdown menu and choose your preferred duration. This ensures you have time to wrap up notes, transition between meetings, or take a short break before your next commitment.

Buffer time after meetings is especially useful for preventing overruns from affecting subsequent appointments.

Review your buffer time settings

Double-check both your before and after buffer time selections. The preview section will show how your availability appears to potential bookers, including the buffer time restrictions.

Test your settings by viewing your booking page as a guest to ensure the buffer time is working correctly.

Save your changes

Scroll to the bottom of the event type editor and click Save & Close or Save to apply your buffer time settings. Your changes will take effect immediately for all future bookings.

Existing bookings won't be affected by buffer time changes - only new bookings will respect the updated settings.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Buffer time option is not visible in event settings

Ensure you're on a paid Calendly plan as buffer time is a premium feature. Check that you're editing an individual event type, not a team event type, as the location of this setting may vary.

Buffer time isn't preventing back-to-back bookings

Verify that your connected calendar is properly synced and that the buffer time settings were saved correctly. Check if you have conflicting availability rules that might override the buffer time.

Too much buffer time is making availability too restrictive

Reduce your buffer time intervals or adjust your overall availability hours to compensate. Consider using different buffer times for different event types based on their requirements.

Buffer time settings keep reverting to default

Make sure you're clicking Save after making changes. Clear your browser cache and try again. If the issue persists, contact Calendly support as this may be a browser compatibility issue.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Calendly website before purchasing.

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