Buffer time adds padding around a booking so consecutive meetings never run into each other. In Cal.com you set it per event type, in that event type's **Limits** tab.

## Prerequisites

- A Cal.com account with an event type you can edit.
- The number of minutes you want kept free before and after each meeting.

## Steps

### Step 1: Open the event type

Select **Event types** in the sidebar, then select the event type you want to change. Its editor opens on the first tab.

![Open the event type](https://cal.supportpages.io/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6ODE1MywicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--a7f63424d3499acc1668106c8eb9d2e795a22b76/block_open-event-type.png)

### Step 2: Choose the buffer before and after the event

Select the **Limits** tab. Under **Before event**, choose how much time you need to prepare, and under **After event**, choose how much time you need to wrap up. The list runs from 5 minutes to 120 minutes, and **No buffer time** is the default.

![Choose the buffer before and after the event](https://cal.supportpages.io/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6ODE1NSwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--98fa7865e04c70e25c360a19de2e63969c8c13d6/block_set-buffer-time.png)

### Step 3: Save the event type

Select **Save** in the top right corner. The button stays inactive until you change a value, and a confirmation appears once the event type is updated.

![Save the event type](https://cal.supportpages.io/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6ODE1NiwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--344e3ff5644b8395386ce7410eaa01a010089989/block_save-buffer-settings.png)

## Tips

- Buffer time belongs to the event type, so every new booking on it gets the same padding. Repeat these steps for each event type that needs its own buffer.
- The buffer sits outside the meeting length. A 30-minute event with 15 minutes of buffer after it holds 45 minutes of your calendar.

## Summary

Buffer time is configured per event type under the **Limits** tab. Pick a duration for **Before event** and **After event**, then select **Save**.