Poker Bankroll Calculator

How much bankroll do I need for poker?

Standard cash game bankroll: 25 buy-ins (e.g., $5,000 for $1/$2 NL at $200 buy-in). Tournament bankroll: 100 buy-ins (e.g., $5,000 for $50 tournaments). Conservative players use 40 cash / 150 tournament buy-ins. Aggressive players (with proven win rate) use 15 cash / 50 tournament. Higher variance = larger bankroll needed.

Why do tournaments need more bankroll than cash games?

Tournaments have much higher variance. Top tournament players (30% ROI) can go 40+ tournaments between meaningful cashes. Cash game variance is more contained (winners see steady bb/100 over thousands of hands). Cash players need 25 buy-ins; tournament players need 100. The 4× ratio reflects the 4× variance difference.

When should I move up stakes?

Three conditions all met: (1) Bankroll exceeds threshold for the next stake (e.g., have $7,500 to move from $1/$2 to $2/$5 NL); (2) Confirmed win rate over 10,000+ hands at current stake (5+ bb/100 minimum); (3) Mental readiness for higher swings. Move up cautiously — most failed bankroll histories come from moving up too fast.

When should I move down stakes?

Move down immediately when your bankroll drops below 20 buy-ins (cash) or 50 buy-ins (tournaments) of your current stake. Don't try to grind back up — playing scared destroys win rate. Move down, rebuild bankroll above the threshold, then move back up. Top players move down without ego attachment.

Can I play with a smaller bankroll than recommended?

Technically yes, but with high risk. With under 10 buy-ins, normal variance can wipe out your bankroll quickly. Without 25+ cash buy-ins, you play scared (small mistakes compound). Without 50+ tournament buy-ins, downswings force you to quit at the worst time. Underrolled play has documented win-rate cost beyond pure variance.

Does the bankroll calculator account for living expenses?

No — bankroll requirements are for poker only. Living expenses (rent, food, healthcare) should be in a SEPARATE account. Never mix poker bankroll with life expenses. Pros maintain 6-12 months of living expenses in cash savings before playing as a primary income source. The bankroll above is what funds poker play; the safety net is separate.