Poker Hourly Rate Calculator
Calculate your poker hourly rate and win rate in BB/hr. Track cash game profitability over time.
Formula:Hourly Rate = Total Profit ÷ Hours Played
Net profit (can be negative)
Total time at tables
For BB/hr calculation
Hourly Rate
$20/hr
Excellent
BB/Hour
+10.0
At $2 BB
BB/100 (Est.)
+33.3
~30 hands/hr assumed
Income Projections (at current rate)
Weekly (40 hrs)
$800
Monthly (160 hrs)
$3,200
Yearly (2000 hrs)
$40,000
* Projections assume consistent play volume. Actual results will vary.
Analysis
At $20/hr (10.0 BB/hr), you're earning well. Continue tracking - 500+ hours gives more reliable data.
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Cash Game Session Journal
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Bet History
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What is Poker Hourly Rate?
Hourly rate measures your actual earnings per hour played. Formula: Hourly Rate = Total Profit ÷ Hours Played. If you've played 200 hours and won $4000, your hourly rate is $20/hr. This is the most practical measure for cash game players, as it tells you exactly what your time is worth.
Key Facts About Hourly Rate
- Hourly Rate = Total Profit ÷ Total Hours
- Good live cash game rate: $15-$50/hr (1-2 BB/hr)
- Online grinders: $10-$30/hr (multi-tabling)
- Include ALL time: travel, waiting, breaks
- Example: $5000 profit over 250 hours = $20/hr
- Need 500+ hours for reliable hourly rate
- BB/hr is stake-independent measurement
- Compare to job opportunities for perspective
Expected Hourly Rates (Live Cash)
| Stakes | Good Rate | Great Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1/$2 | $15-20/hr | $25-35/hr |
| $2/$5 | $30-40/hr | $50-75/hr |
| $5/$10 | $60-80/hr | $100-150/hr |
* Rates vary by location and game quality
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my poker hourly rate?
Divide total profit by total hours played. $3,000 profit over 150 hours = $20/hr. Include all time at the casino/online, not just time in hands.
What is a good hourly rate in poker?
For live $1/2 games, $15-25/hr is good. For $2/5, $30-50/hr is achievable. Online rates vary widely based on stakes and volume. The key is comparing to alternatives - is poker the best use of your time?
How do I convert hourly rate to BB/hr?
BB/hr (big blinds per hour) standardizes across stakes. If you make $20/hr at $1/2 (BB = $2), that's 10 BB/hr. A good cash game win rate is 2-10 BB/hr live, 2-5 BB/100 hands online.
Should I include non-playing time?
Include all time dedicated to poker: travel, waiting lists, breaks between sessions. This gives your "true" hourly rate. Some players track "table hourly" separately for game selection purposes.
How many hours until my hourly rate is accurate?
Cash game variance is lower than tournaments, but you still need 500+ hours minimum for a reliable hourly rate. Below that, you could be running hot or cold. Keep detailed records and resist conclusions from small samples.
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).