---
title: "Robert's Rules Motions Cheat Sheet (12th Ed.) | Common Cove"
description: "A searchable chart of common motions under Robert's Rules of Order (12th edition): second, debate, amendment, the vote needed and what is in order now."
url: https://commoncove.sbs/motions-cheat-sheet/
---

# Motions cheat sheet

The common motions of Robert's Rules of Order on one page: what each is for, what to say, whether it needs a second, whether it can be debated or amended, the vote it needs, and which ones are in order right now.

## Reading the table

The ranked motions are listed in their order of precedence: while one is pending, any motion higher up is in order and lower ones must wait. Incidental motions arise as needed, and the motions that bring a question back are made when nothing else is pending. Choose what is pending and the last column shows what you can move now.

“Interrupt” means the motion can be made while another member has the floor. “Second” means another member must second it. The vote is what adopts it, and two-thirds means at least two thirds of the votes cast.

## Your rules come first

Robert's Rules are default rules: they apply only where the law, your bylaws or your own special rules of order say nothing different. Small boards and committees often relax formalities such as seconds. This sheet follows *Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised*, 12th edition (2020), and the section numbers (§) refer to that edition.

## Sources

- Jim Slaughter, [Parliamentary Motions Guide, based on Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th edition)](https://www.jimslaughter.com/uploads/robertsrulesorder12theditionquickguidechart2022.pdf) (PDF): precedence, interrupt, second, debate, amendment and vote for each motion.
- Emergency Nurses Association, [Robert's Rules Condensed: a summary of useful motions in Robert's Rules of Order 12th Edition](https://www.ena.org/sites/default/files/2026-07/RobertsRules12.pdf) (PDF): amending an amendment, appeals.
- Robert's Rules Association, [Frequently asked questions](https://robertsrules.com/frequently-asked-questions/), questions 1, 8 and 11 to 13 (the chair's vote, friendly amendments, the previous question, laying on the table, objection to consideration).
- C. Alan Jennings, [Robert's Rules for rescinding or amending something previously adopted](https://www.dummies.com/article/business-careers-money/business/general-business/roberts-rules-for-rescinding-or-amending-something-previously-adopted-171764/), Dummies (the three possible votes).
- Robert's Rules Association, [12th edition released, August 28, 2020](https://robertsrules.com/roberts-rules-of-order-newly-revised-12th-edition-released-at-virtual-2020-national-association-of-parliamentarians-nap-training-conference-august-28-2020/).

## Questions

**What does tabling a motion do?**

Laying on the table sets a question aside temporarily for something urgent, by a majority vote without debate. It is not a way to kill a motion. To move an item to the next meeting, postpone it to a certain time.

**How do we end debate?**

A member who has the floor moves the previous question. It needs a second and a two-thirds vote. Calling out “Question!” does not end debate.

**Can the mover accept a friendly amendment?**

Not alone. Once the chair has stated a motion it belongs to the meeting, so any amendment is adopted by a vote or by unanimous consent.

**Can the chair vote?**

On a small board or a committee, yes, like any member. In a larger meeting the chair votes only by ballot or when the vote would change the result, such as making or breaking a tie.