What a unit is
A unit is your standard stake, the amount you bet on a normal play. Cappers report results in units so their record means the same thing whatever each follower bets.
Unit size calculator
Enter your bankroll and choose a unit size. See what 1 unit is in money, what bigger plays would cost and how a losing run would hit your bankroll.
1 unit$10.00
Units in bankroll100
10-bet losing run costs9.6%
Risk levelConservative
| Stake | Amount | Share of bankroll |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5u | $5.00 | 0.5% |
| 1u | $10.00 | 1.0% |
| 2u | $20.00 | 2.0% |
| 3u | $30.00 | 3.0% |
| 5u | $50.00 | 5.0% |
For information only. Results use the odds you enter and don't include any sportsbook rules or limits.
How it works
Unit size calculator: the basics
How big a unit should be
Most bettors use 1% to 2% of their bankroll. 1% is conservative and suits bettors with lots of plays each day. 3% or more leads to big swings.
Surviving losing runs
Every bettor has losing runs. At 1% per bet, ten straight losses cost under 10% of your bankroll. At 5% per bet, the same run costs about 40%.
Keeping it consistent
Decide your unit size in advance and stick to it. Raising stakes after wins or chasing losses with bigger bets is the fastest way to lose a bankroll.
Related guides: What is a unit in sports betting? · How to track your betting record
Terms used here: Unit · Bankroll · Drawdown · Full glossary
For cappers
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FAQ
Unit size calculator questions
How do I calculate my unit size?
Multiply your bankroll by your chosen percentage. A $1,000 bankroll at 1% gives a $10 unit.
What is a good unit size?
1% to 2% of your bankroll for most bettors. Smaller if you bet a lot of plays each day, never more than you're comfortable losing.
Should I change my unit size as my bankroll changes?
Some bettors recalculate monthly so stakes grow and shrink with the bankroll. Others keep a fixed unit for a season. Either works if you stick to it.