diff --git a/src/qiskit_qec/decoders/hdrg_decoders.py b/src/qiskit_qec/decoders/hdrg_decoders.py
index 5f5815e9..619761ad 100644
--- a/src/qiskit_qec/decoders/hdrg_decoders.py
+++ b/src/qiskit_qec/decoders/hdrg_decoders.py
@@ -383,9 +383,8 @@ def cluster(self, nodes: List):
             self._create_new_cluster(node_index)
 
         j = 0
-        while self.odd_cluster_roots and j < 2 * self.code.d * (self.code.T + 1):
+        while self.odd_cluster_roots and j < 2 * self.code.d * self.code.T:
             self._grow_and_merge_clusters()
-            j += 1
 
         # compile info into standard clusters dict
         clusters = {}