A unit is your normal bet size. Instead of saying "I bet $50", bettors say "I bet 1 unit", and report results as units won or lost, like +12.4u.
Most bettors set a unit at 1% to 2% of their bankroll. That way, a record means the same thing whether someone bets $5 or $500 a unit.
Cappers often use a simple scale: 1 unit for a standard play, 2 for a strong one. Big "10-unit locks" are a warning sign.
How it works
Units are the standard language of betting results. They turn dollar amounts into a scale everyone can follow, whatever their bankroll.
Most bettors keep unit sizes simple. A common approach is 1 unit for a normal play and up to 2 units for the strongest ones. Some go below 1 unit for long shots.
There are two ways to stake in units, and it's worth knowing which a capper uses:
- To risk: 1u means betting 1 unit. At -150, a winning 1u bet pays 0.67u.
- To win: 1u means the bet is sized to win 1 unit. At -150, you'd risk 1.5u.
Many cappers risk 1u on underdogs and bet to win 1u on favorites, so heavy favorites don't pay tiny amounts. Either works if it's clear and consistent.
Unit records only mean something alongside the number of bets and the ROI. And big jumps in unit size, especially after losses, are a red flag for chasing. Use the unit size calculator to work out your own.
Examples
- Example 1
$1,000 bankroll, 1% units: 1 unit is $10. A 1u win at -110 is +0.91u.
- Example 2
A $2,500 bankroll with 2% units gives a $50 unit. A 1.5u bet is $75.
- Example 3
A 1.5u bet at +130 that wins pays 1.95u. A 1u bet at -120 that wins pays 0.83u.
- Example 4
A capper goes 6-4 on 1u bets at -110: 6 × 0.909 − 4 = +1.45u.
Read more: What is a unit in sports betting?
Common questions
What does 1u mean in betting?
One unit, your standard stake. If your unit is $20, a 1u bet is $20 and a 2u bet is $40.
Why do cappers use units instead of dollars?
Units make results comparable for everyone. +10u means the same thing whether a follower bets $5 or $500 per unit.
How much should 1 unit be?
Most bettors use 1% to 2% of their bankroll. Smaller is safer, especially if you bet a lot of plays.