How many cases does the Supreme Court usually hear during one term?

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A person ascends the steps of the west facade of the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., with its tall columns and a round fountain in the foreground. — Major Supreme Court Cases from the 2025–26 Term The west facade of the U.S. Supreme Court building, Washington, D.C.

The Supreme Court of the United States typically hears about 80 cases per term.1

While the Court receives approximately 7,000 certiorari requests annually, it exercises almost exclusive discretion in selecting its caseload. Under the "Rule of Four," at least four justices must agree to grant a petition for the Court to hear a case. Although the number of requests has increased significantly since World War II, the actual number of cases decided by the Court has declined since the mid-20th century as justices have chosen to hear fewer cases per issue area.1

Each term begins by statute on the first Monday in October and generally concludes in late June or early July.1