Poker Bankroll Calculator

About Poker Bankroll Management

Proper bankroll management is the foundation of long-term poker success. Even the most skilled players can go broke without disciplined bankroll management, while less skilled players with good bankroll discipline can sustain their poker careers through inevitable downswings. This Poker Bankroll Calculator helps you determine the appropriate stakes for your current bankroll or calculate how much you need to play at specific stakes.

Understanding and implementing proper bankroll management protects you from the natural variance inherent in poker, ensures you can weather losing streaks without going broke, and allows you to play with confidence knowing you're adequately funded for the stakes you're playing.

Why Bankroll Management Matters

Poker is a game of skill with significant short-term variance. Even if you're a winning player in the long run, you will experience losing sessions, bad beats, and downswings. Proper bankroll management ensures you have enough funds to:

• Survive variance - Weather the natural ups and downs without going broke
• Play your A-game - Avoid playing scared money or taking unnecessary risks
• Move up in stakes - Take shots at higher games when properly rolled
• Reduce stress - Play without fear of losing your entire roll in a bad session
• Make better decisions - Focus on optimal strategy rather than immediate results
• Separate poker money - Keep your poker funds distinct from living expenses

Poor bankroll management is one of the primary reasons talented poker players fail. No matter how skilled you are, playing above your bankroll increases your risk of ruin exponentially.

Bankroll Requirements by Game Type

Different poker formats have vastly different variance levels, requiring different bankroll sizes. Here are the recommended bankroll requirements:

Why Different Requirements?

Cash Games have the lowest variance because you can leave anytime and rebuy if you lose. You're constantly playing with your advantage, making it easier to overcome short-term variance.

Sit & Go tournaments have higher variance because you must finish in the money (typically top 3 of 9 players) to profit. You can play perfectly and still lose your entire buy-in most of the time.

Multi-Table Tournaments have the highest variance because you're competing against hundreds or thousands of players, and only the top 10-15% get paid. Even excellent players can go through long stretches without cashing.

Understanding Risk Tolerance Levels

Conservative (Lowest Risk)

Best for: Professional players, those with limited reloading ability, or players who want maximum security.

• Very low risk of ruin (less than 1%)
• Can withstand extended downswings
• Ideal for full-time professionals
• Slower progression through stakes
• Peace of mind and confidence in your bankroll

Moderate (Balanced Risk)

Best for: Serious recreational players, semi-professionals, or those who can reload their bankroll if necessary.

• Low risk of ruin (approximately 5%)
• Balances security with progression
• Most common approach for winning players
• Reasonable pace of moving up stakes
• Suitable for most serious players

Aggressive (Higher Risk)

Best for: Recreational players with easy reloading ability, bankroll builders, or highly skilled players in soft games.

• Higher risk of ruin (10-15%)
• Faster progression through stakes
• Requires ability to reload if busted
• Only for players confident in their edge
• Not recommended for primary income

Practical Bankroll Examples

Example 1: Cash Game Player

Scenario: You want to play $1/$2 No-Limit Hold'em cash games with a standard 100BB ($200) buy-in.

• Conservative: 50 × $200 = $10,000 bankroll
• Moderate: 30 × $200 = $6,000 bankroll
• Aggressive: 20 × $200 = $4,000 bankroll

If you have $6,000, you can comfortably play $1/$2 with moderate risk management. If you have only $3,000, you should play $0.50/$1 or lower instead.

Example 2: Tournament Player

Scenario: You want to play $50 buy-in multi-table tournaments.

• Conservative: 150 × $50 = $7,500 bankroll
• Moderate: 100 × $50 = $5,000 bankroll
• Aggressive: 50 × $50 = $2,500 bankroll

With a $5,000 bankroll and moderate risk tolerance, you can play $50 tournaments. However, you should consider mixing in some $20-$30 tournaments to reduce variance.

Example 3: Mixed Game Player

Scenario: You play both cash games ($100 buy-in) and tournaments ($20 buy-in), splitting your play 70/30.

You should treat these as separate bankrolls or use the more conservative requirement (tournaments) for your entire roll. If using moderate risk:

• Cash game bankroll: 30 × $100 = $3,000
• Tournament bankroll: 100 × $20 = $2,000
• Total recommended: $5,000 minimum

Moving Up and Down in Stakes

When to Move Up

• You have the required bankroll for the next level (plus a cushion)
• You're consistently winning at your current stakes over a significant sample size
• You've studied the higher stakes and feel prepared for tougher competition
• You have a clear drop-down plan if things don't go well

When to Move Down

• Your bankroll falls below the minimum requirement for your current stakes
• You're experiencing significant losses over an extended period
• You find yourself playing scared money or not playing your best
• The games at your current level are too tough or not profitable

Important: There's no shame in moving down. Professional players do it all the time. Moving down to rebuild your bankroll and confidence is a sign of maturity and discipline, not weakness.

Common Bankroll Management Mistakes

1. Playing above your bankroll - Taking shots at higher stakes without proper funding
2. Not moving down - Stubbornly staying at a level you can no longer afford
3. Mixing bankroll with living expenses - Using rent money to play poker or vice versa
4. Chasing losses - Moving up in stakes to win back losses faster
5. Ignoring variance - Thinking a few good sessions mean you're ready to move up
6. Poor record keeping - Not tracking your results accurately
7. Playing when tilted - Emotional play can destroy your bankroll quickly
8. No stop-loss limits - Playing long sessions down multiple buy-ins

Advanced Bankroll Management Tips

• Keep detailed records - Track every session, your win rate, and variance
• Use stop-loss limits - Quit if you lose 3-5 buy-ins in a session
• Separate bankrolls - Keep cash game and tournament bankrolls separate
• Review regularly - Assess your bankroll situation weekly or monthly
• Build a cushion - Aim for 10-20% more than the minimum requirement
• Consider rakeback - Factor in loyalty programs when calculating profitability
• Insurance shots - When taking a shot at higher stakes, be ready to move back down immediately if unsuccessful
• Withdraw profits - Consider withdrawing some winnings to secure gains and reduce temptation

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I start with as a beginner?

Start with an amount you can afford to lose completely. For online micro-stakes ($0.01/$0.02), $50-$100 is sufficient. For live $1/$2 games, aim for at least $1,000-$2,000 using conservative management.

Can I use the same bankroll for online and live poker?

It's better to keep separate bankrolls. Live games typically have lower variance but higher minimum buy-ins. If combining them, use the more conservative requirements and ensure you have adequate funds for both formats.

What if I'm a winning player? Can I use fewer buy-ins?

Even winning players face variance. While you might tolerate slightly more aggressive bankroll management if you have a proven edge, don't stray too far from the recommendations. Many profitable players have gone broke due to inadequate bankrolls.

How do I know if my bankroll management is working?

Track your results over thousands of hands or hundreds of tournaments. You should rarely (if ever) feel you're risking too much of your bankroll in a single session. If you're consistently playing within your limits and slowly moving up stakes, it's working.

Should I have a separate bankroll if poker is my hobby?

Yes! Even recreational players benefit from separating poker funds from personal finances. This prevents poker losses from affecting your lifestyle and helps you make better decisions at the table without financial pressure.

What's the biggest bankroll mistake players make?

The most common mistake is playing above their bankroll, either by choice or by refusing to move down after losses. This leads to playing scared money, making poor decisions, and often going broke entirely.

Final Thoughts

Bankroll management might not be as exciting as studying advanced poker strategy or making hero calls, but it's arguably more important for your long-term success. The best players in the world take bankroll management seriously, and so should you.

Use this calculator regularly to ensure you're playing at appropriate stakes for your current bankroll. Be honest with yourself about your risk tolerance and financial situation. Remember: poker is a marathon, not a sprint. Protecting your bankroll today ensures you'll still be playing (and winning) tomorrow.

Poker involves both skill and variance. Always play within your means, treat your bankroll with respect, and comply with local gambling laws. Never play with money you cannot afford to lose.