4 min read · Updated
Meeting poll or availability poll? How to choose
Short answer
A meeting poll asks people to vote on a few times you propose; an availability poll asks them to mark every time they're free. Use a meeting poll when you already have a short list of realistic options. Use an availability poll when you don't know people's calendars, the group is large or spread across time zones, and you'd rather the best time come from the group.
Meeting polls (voting)
You propose specific slots and each person answers yes, maybe or no. It's fast to answer and the winner is easy to see.
- Best for: socials, client calls, choosing between two or three known options.
- Risk: if none of your options work, you start again.
Availability polls (painting free time)
You set a range of days and hours, and each person paints when they're free. The tool overlays everyone's answers and shows where they overlap.
- Best for: busy or senior people, big groups, several time zones, when you have no idea what will work.
- Risk: takes guests a little longer to answer than ticking three boxes.
Quick decision guide
- Fewer than five people and you know two or three good slots: vote.
- More than five people, or anyone senior or external: availability.
- People in three or more time zones: availability.
- You need the meeting this week: vote, with a same-day deadline.
alignd supports both modes on every plan, including Free, so you can pick per event.
Frequently asked questions
What is an availability poll?
An availability poll asks each participant to mark all the times they're free within a date range. The answers are overlaid to show when the most people are available.
Is a Doodle poll a meeting poll or an availability poll?
A standard Doodle group poll is a meeting poll: the organiser proposes times and participants vote on them.