MTT bankroll calculator

Why bankroll management matters for MTTs

MTT variance is brutal. Even a winning player runs 500+ buy-ins under expectation at some point. The right bankroll isn't a guess — it's a function of your buy-in mix, your ROI, and how much risk of ruin you accept.

What this calculator does

• Multiple tournament types — model your actual weekly schedule, not just a single buy-in.
• Variance visualization — see realistic bankroll swings over time.
• Risk of ruin — the probability of going broke at any bankroll size.
• ROI-aware — recommendations use your real win rate, not a rule of thumb.

How to use the calculator

• Enter your schedule — add each tournament you regularly play with its player count and payouts.
• Estimate your ROI — use tracked results or a conservative 0-15% if you don't know.
• Set your current bankroll — to see your personal risk-of-ruin number.
• Read the charts — variance, ruin probability, and recommended bankroll all update together.

Frequently asked questions

What's a realistic ROI for MTT players?

Solid pros run 20-50% ROI over large samples. Serious regs can manage 10-20%. Recreational players average 0-5% or negative. Use a conservative number until you have 500+ tournaments of data.

How many buy-ins do I really need?

100+ buy-ins for the average tournament is the safe standard. Strong winners can run 50-75. This calculator gives you a personalized answer based on your mix.

Should I include rake?

Yes, always. Rake is the single biggest drag on your ROI — if you don't model it, you'll overestimate your win rate.

I play multiple stake levels — how do I enter that?

Add each stake as a separate tournament type. The calculator weights the mix and gives a combined recommendation.

Disclaimer

This is a study tool, not financial advice. Your actual variance depends on the field quality and your real ROI over time. Never play with money you can't afford to lose.