Stake Calculator
Turn a bankroll and chosen staking percentage into a clear stake, then review total exposure, bankroll remaining and conservative or aggressive alternatives.
Calculator inputs
How to use the stake calculator
This stake calculator turns a bankroll and selected staking percentage into a recommended stake. It also shows total exposure across simultaneous bets, remaining bankroll and conservative or aggressive alternatives.
Enter your bankroll, choose the percentage you want to risk per bet and add the number of bets that may be open at the same time. The calculator does not assess whether a selection is good; it only measures staking and exposure.
What is a betting stake?
A betting stake is the amount risked on a selection or ticket. Stake size affects bankroll volatility, drawdown and the ability to survive losing runs. A good staking plan focuses on consistency rather than emotion.
Per-bet risk
The chosen stake determines how much of the bankroll is exposed to one result.
Combined exposure
Several open bets can create much more risk than one stake viewed in isolation.
Bankroll protection
Smaller, consistent stakes help preserve capital during variance.
Percentage staking
Percentage staking risks a fixed percentage of current bankroll on each bet. If the bankroll changes, the stake changes automatically.
Bankroll × Stake percentage ÷ 100With a bankroll of €1,000 and a 1% staking rule, the recommended stake is €10.
Flat staking
Flat staking uses the same amount or unit size for each bet. It is simple and reduces the temptation to increase stakes after wins or losses. A percentage-based flat stake updates gradually as bankroll changes.
| Method | How it works | Main advantage | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed amount | Same cash stake each time | Very simple | Does not adjust to bankroll changes |
| Fixed percentage | Same bankroll percentage each time | Automatically scales | Still ignores bet-specific edge |
| Kelly staking | Stake changes with perceived edge | Edge-sensitive | Highly dependent on probability accuracy |
Why total exposure matters
Total exposure is the sum of all open stakes relative to bankroll. Three simultaneous 2% bets create 6% exposure. Ten simultaneous 2% bets create 20% exposure, which may be aggressive even though each individual stake appears small.
Stake per bet × Number of simultaneous betsTotal exposure ÷ Bankroll × 100Kelly Criterion versus flat staking
Flat staking focuses on consistency. Kelly staking changes stake size according to estimated edge. Kelly can be efficient when probabilities are accurate, but overestimating edge can create unsafe stakes. Many bettors use fractional Kelly or fixed-percentage staking to reduce volatility.
Stake calculator examples
| Bankroll | Stake % | Stake | Open bets | Total exposure | Exposure % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 0.5% | 5 | 3 | 15 | 1.5% |
| 1,000 | 1% | 10 | 3 | 30 | 3% |
| 1,000 | 2% | 20 | 3 | 60 | 6% |
| 2,500 | 1% | 25 | 5 | 125 | 5% |
Example 1: conservative staking
A €1,000 bankroll with a 0.5% rule produces a €5 stake. Three simultaneous bets create €15 total exposure, or 1.5% of bankroll.
Example 2: standard staking
A €1,000 bankroll with a 1% rule produces a €10 stake. Three open bets create €30 total exposure, or 3%.
Example 3: aggressive exposure
A €1,000 bankroll with a 2% stake and six simultaneous bets creates €120 total exposure, or 12%. This may be aggressive, especially if the bets are correlated.
Bankroll remaining
Bankroll remaining shows the amount not currently exposed after all simultaneous stakes are counted. It is not the same as available account balance if some bets are already settled or if funds are spread across bookmakers.
Correlation and hidden exposure
Exposure can be more dangerous when bets depend on similar outcomes. Several bets involving the same team, league, weather pattern or market can lose together. The calculator measures cash exposure, not correlation.
Common staking mistakes
- Increasing stakes after a loss. Chasing losses increases risk.
- Ignoring simultaneous exposure. Small individual stakes can add up quickly.
- Using money needed for essential expenses.
- Changing stake size emotionally.
- Assuming higher confidence justifies unlimited exposure.
- Using full Kelly with uncertain probabilities.
- Failing to update bankroll after major changes.
- Treating staking as a substitute for finding value.
Related bankroll and staking guides
Control stake size before placing the bet
A staking plan is useful only when it is followed consistently. Explore the Academy for bankroll, variance and risk-management guidance.
Related betting tools
Stake Calculator FAQ
What is a betting stake?
A betting stake is the amount risked on a selection or ticket.
What percentage should I use?
There is no universal answer. Smaller percentages generally create lower volatility.
What is flat staking?
Flat staking uses the same amount or bankroll percentage across bets.
What is percentage staking?
Percentage staking calculates the stake as a fixed percentage of current bankroll.
What is total exposure?
Total exposure is the combined amount risked across all simultaneous bets.
Why does simultaneous exposure matter?
Several small stakes can create a large combined risk.
Should I increase stakes after a loss?
No. Chasing losses increases risk and is not a disciplined staking method.
What is bankroll remaining?
It is bankroll minus the total amount currently exposed.
What is conservative staking?
This page uses 0.5% of bankroll as a conservative comparison point.
What is aggressive staking?
This page uses 2% of bankroll as an aggressive comparison point, not a recommendation.
Does this calculator assess bet quality?
No. It calculates stake and exposure only.
Can I use this for accumulators?
Yes, but accumulator variance and correlation should also be considered.
Is Kelly better than flat staking?
Not automatically. Kelly depends on accurate probability estimates.
Is my data stored?
No. The calculation runs locally in your browser and requires no registration.
Can staking guarantee profit?
No. Staking controls risk but cannot create an edge or guarantee profit.