Bankroll
Unit Sizing
What a unit is, how to size one, and why consistent units keep your betting disciplined.
By Jared Narz · · 2 min read
A unit is your standard bet size, usually a fixed percentage of your bankroll. Talking in units instead of dollars keeps your stakes consistent and makes results comparable between bettors.
How to set your unit
Many bettors use roughly 1–2% of their bankroll per unit. That's a common guideline, not a rule.
Illustrative: with a $1,000 bankroll and a 1% unit, one unit is $10. With a $5,000 bankroll it's $50. Both bettors can follow the same "1 unit" play while risking what's appropriate for them.
How results are counted
- 1u at +144 that wins: +1.44u
- 1u at -110 that wins: +0.91u
- 1u that loses: −1u
- A push: 0u
Flat vs. variable sizing
- Flat: every bet is 1 unit. Simple and hard to mess up.
- Variable: bigger stakes on higher-confidence or higher-edge plays. Only useful if your confidence is actually calibrated, and it should still have a firm cap.
Rules that help
- Recalculate your unit on a schedule (for example monthly), not after every win or loss.
- Never raise your unit to win back losses. See Avoiding Chasing Losses.
- Be skeptical of anyone advertising huge unit totals without explaining their unit sizing and showing every play.
Examples are illustrative and use hypothetical numbers. This article is educational content, not financial advice or a guarantee of results. 21+. Bet responsibly.