How many points do you need to stay in the Premier League?

How many points do you need to stay in the Premier League?ByJonty ColmanBBC Sport journalistPublished27 November 2025Updated 10 April 2026Premier League teams finishing on 36 or more points in each of the last nine seasons were guaranteed safety from relegation.In the 20 team Premier League era, starting from the 1995-96 season, the average number of points needed for survival by finishing 18th is 35.53.No team in the last nine campaigns has earned 36 points and been relegated.This season however is on track to be the toughest to survive in for a decade. After 31 rounds of games, 18th place is projected to finish on 37 points, meaning 38 points would be enough to ensure survival.In the 30 Premier League 38-game seasons, 36 points has ensured survival 60% of the time.That rate of survival increases to 80% for 38 points, 90% for 40 points and 100% for 43 or more points.West Ham hold the record for the team relegated with the most points in the 20-team era. In the 2002-03 season, the Hammers picked up 42 points but were still relegated.The safety thresholds for the last two seasons have been significantly lower due to newly promoted teams struggling in the Premier League. The last two seasons have seen 26 and 27 points be enough to seal safety respectively.Only once prior to the 2023-24 season has a total below 30 points been enough to seal survival.Get in touchSend us your questionsContact formContact formPoints needed to guarantee safetyImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Wolves have picked up 17 points from their opening 31 Premier League games of the season25 points or less – survival in 0/30 seasons (0%)26 – survival in 1/30 seasons (3.33%)27 – survival in 2/30 seasons (6.67%)28 – survival in 2/30 seasons (6.67%)29 – survival in 3/30 seasons (10%)30 – survival in 3/30 seasons (10%)31 – survival in 4/30 seasons (13.33%)32 – survival in 4/30 seasons (13.33%)33 – survival in 4/30 seasons (13.33%)34 – survival in 9/30 seasons (30%)35 – survival in 16/30 seasons (...