Poker Bankroll Requirements Calculator
Calculate the bankroll needed for different poker formats based on your win rate, variance, and risk tolerance to avoid going broke.
Formula:Bankroll = -σ² × ln(RoR) / (2 × WR)
Standard buyin for the game you play
Different formats require different bankroll sizes
5% = conservative, 10% = moderate risk
Optional: Your expected win rate
Cash: ~80, MTT: ~150, Spin: ~250
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
Bankroll Simulator
Monte Carlo simulation with 1,000 iterations
$
Your initial capital
%
Your expected advantage
%
Percentage of bankroll per bet
Total bets to simulate
Bankroll Management Fundamentals
Bankroll management is the foundation of professional poker. Even skilled players go broke without proper bankroll sizing due to variance.
The Formula: Required bankroll depends on your win rate, variance (standard deviation), and acceptable risk of ruin. Higher variance games need more buyins.
Cash Game Players
- 20-50 buyins standard
- SD typically 70-90 BB/100
- Can move up/down quickly
Tournament Players
- 100-200 buyins needed
- Extreme variance (ROI-based)
- Top-heavy payouts increase swings
Key Rule: Never risk money you cannot afford to lose. Your poker bankroll should be completely separate from your life expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many buyins do I need for poker?
For cash games, 20-50 buyins is standard ($2000-$5000 for $1/$2). Tournaments require 100-200 buyins due to higher variance. Your exact requirement depends on your win rate and acceptable risk of ruin.
What is risk of ruin in poker?
Risk of ruin (RoR) is the probability of losing your entire bankroll before it grows. A 5% RoR means you have a 5% chance of going broke. Lower risk tolerance requires larger bankrolls.
Should I have separate bankrolls for cash and tournaments?
Yes, many pros recommend this. Cash games and tournaments have very different variance profiles. A ${symbol}10,000 total bankroll might be split into ${symbol}6,000 for cash (30 buyins at ${symbol}1/${symbol}2) and ${symbol}4,000 for tournaments (40 buyins at ${symbol}100 MTTs).
How does win rate affect bankroll requirements?
Higher win rates require smaller bankrolls. A 10 BB/100 winner at ${symbol}1/${symbol}2 might only need 15 buyins for 2% RoR, while a 2 BB/100 winner needs 50+ buyins. Breakeven or losing players need infinite bankrolls.
When should I move up or down in stakes?
Common rule: Move up when you have 30+ buyins for the next level, move down when you drop below 20 buyins for your current level. Some pros use 'shots' - taking 3-5 buyin shots at higher stakes while maintaining their regular bankroll.
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).