How many teams are determined to be "at-large" bids in the NCAA tournament?

In the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, the selection committee allocates a total of 68 teams to participate. Out of these, 32 teams secure their spot by winning their respective conference championships, which leaves 36 teams to be selected as "at-large" bids. These at-large teams are chosen based on their performance during the regular season and conference tournaments, reflecting their overall strength and ability to compete at a high level.

Understanding that there are 68 total spots and the mechanism of automatic qualifiers helps clarify why 36 at-large bids are assigned. This system allows for a broader representation from various conferences and the inclusion of teams that might not have won their conference but had commendable seasons overall. The exciting element of the NCAA tournament lies in the balance between automatic qualifiers and at-large selections, ensuring many deserving teams have an opportunity to compete for the national title.