---
type: claim
domain: mechanisms
secondary_domains: [internet-finance]
confidence: proven
title: Square-root staffing in multi-server systems
description: The square-root staffing principle applies to multi-server systems, ensuring efficiency and minimizing excess capacity.
created: 2023-10-01
processed_date: 2023-10-10
source: 2019-00-00-whitt-what-you-should-know-about-queueing-models
---

The square-root staffing principle is a fundamental result in queueing theory that ensures optimal staffing levels in multi-server systems. It states that the amount of excess capacity required scales with the square root of the system size, allowing for efficient resource allocation.

### Challenges
- Assumes homogeneous service rates and arrival processes.
- May not account for variability in real-world systems.

### Evidence
- Proven through mathematical derivation and supported by empirical studies.

### Cross-references
- Related to QED regimes and variance pooling.