TG

Bankroll Calculator

Calculate the required bankroll for your poker stakes. Get personalized recommendations for cash games, MTTs, SNGs, and Spins.

Game Type

Stakes (100bb buyin)

$

Enter your typical 100bb buy-in amount

Current Bankroll

$

Risk Tolerance

Excellent - Well Bankrolled

For $100 stakes

Current$5,000
Required$2,500
50
Current Buy-ins
25
Required
0.1%
Risk of Ruin

Recommended Stakes

$1/$2

Based on your current bankroll

Moving Stakes

Move Up

You can consider moving up stakes

You would have 33 buy-ins at $150

Bankroll requirements vary based on your win rate and variance. These are general guidelines - adjust based on your specific situation.

Bankroll Management Essentials

Proper bankroll management is what separates professional poker players from recreational ones. It's not the most exciting topic, but it's the foundation of a sustainable poker career.

The goal is simple: have enough buy-ins that even a significant downswing won't bust you. For cash games, 20-30 buy-ins is standard. For tournaments, you need 100+ due to higher variance. Always be honest about your skill level - if you're not a proven winner, use conservative requirements.

Correct play decisions reduce variance and protect your bankroll — see the EV math behind splitting 10s in blackjack

Written by

author-credentials.sysE-E-A-T
Evgeniy Volkov

Evgeny Volkov

Verified Expert
Math & Software Engineer, iGaming Expert

Over 10 years developing software for the gaming industry. Advanced degree in Mathematics. Specializing in probability analysis, RNG algorithms, and mathematical gambling models.

Experience10+
SpecializationiGaming
Status
Active
FAQ

FAQ

Even winning players experience downswings due to variance. A proper bankroll protects you from going broke during these inevitable losing streaks.
Tournaments have much higher variance than cash games. You might play 100 tournaments before a significant cash. MTT players need 100-200 buy-ins for stability.
Having a proven win rate can justify a smaller bankroll, but be honest about your skill. Most players overestimate their edge. It's safer to be conservative.
Move up when you have the full required bankroll for the next level AND you've been consistently winning at your current stakes. Don't chase losses by moving up.
Spins have extreme variance due to random prize pools. You need 150-300 buy-ins even as a winning player. The jackpot structure creates huge swings.