Total amps of breakers allowed in a 200 amp panel?

I have a 200 amp panel. Currently there are 6 breakers (110v) totaling
105 amps & 3 220v breakers totaling 110 amps for a total of both of 215 amps. The panel has 10 blank unused positions.

I would like to add at 2-3 more 110 circuits (110v)@ 15 - 20 amps each.
The purpose of these is instead of adding load to the existing circuits
that are close to capacity, I'd rather be safe & add circuits.

Somewhere I think I remember that you can have more breakers in the panel than the main is rated for on the idea that everything isn't going to be used at the same time, but I so far haven't been able to find a code or a chart to guide me.
Can anyone direct me to the correct information?
Thank You!

Above all, I want it to be safe. If I can't safely do it, then I won't

Thats not really how it works. As long as everything you plan on using at once won't be over 200A you will be fine. My whole house and shop runs on a 225 main. I'd bet if I added all the breaker together it's be probably be over 500. You should be ok to add more breakers to the box as long as there are open spots avavilabe.


Just looked at my "100 amp" sub panel and it has 350 amps worth of breakers in it.

One thing you need to remember is that you have many more outlets and appliances hooked up that don't all operate at the same time. That's called diversity. Your panel capacity is rated for the flow through the panel at a given moment. Just remember it isn't all running at the same time.

If he wants things to be "best" case . . then balancing the loads is the thing to do.

There is no code regarding a maximum capacity amount of breakers in relation to the main. What does matter is that the calculated load doesnt go over the mains rating otherwise u could loose power...

This is a extreme example, if you were to go by the sum of the breakers, you could only have 5-20A breakers on each leg on a 100A panel, not practical or proper, only way do it right is by the calculated load.