Example Data Table
| Entrants |
Buy-In |
Rake |
Guarantee |
Paid Field |
Curve |
| 120 |
$100 |
10% |
$10,000 |
15% |
Balanced |
| 250 |
$55 |
8% |
$12,000 |
12% |
Top Heavy |
| 60 |
$40 |
5% |
$2,000 |
20% |
Flat |
Formula Used
Total entries = original entrants + re-entries.
Gross pool = total entries × buy-in + add-ons × add-on amount.
Fees = gross pool × rake percentage + total entries × fixed fee.
Net collected = gross pool − fees.
Overlay = guaranteed pool − net collected, when the guarantee is higher.
Prize pool = the greater value between net collected and guarantee.
Weighted payout = place weight ÷ total weights × prize pool.
The calculator also supports minimum cash reserves. If enough prize money exists, each paid place receives a base minimum cash. Remaining money is then distributed by the selected payout curve.
How To Use This Calculator
Enter the buy-in, entrants, re-entries, rake, and guarantee. Choose whether paid places should use a fixed count or a percentage of the field. Select a curve style. Add a minimum cash multiple if needed. Press the calculate button. Review the summary and payout table above the form. Use the export buttons to save the results.
Poker Tournament Payout Planning
A poker payout plan should feel fair before cards are dealt. Players want clear prizes. Organizers need simple math. This calculator helps both sides review the structure before registration closes.
Prize Pool Basics
The net prize pool starts with all collected player money. Buy-ins, re-entries, and add-ons are added first. Fees and rake are removed next. A guarantee is then checked. When the collected pool is lower than the guarantee, the difference becomes overlay. That overlay raises the payable pool for players.
Paid Places Matter
The number of paid places changes the feel of a tournament. A smaller paid field creates bigger top prizes. A wider paid field gives more players a return. The paid place option can be entered directly. It can also be estimated from a payout percentage. This is useful for daily events, league finals, and charity games.
Curve Selection
The payout curve controls how sharply money moves toward the top. A top-heavy curve rewards first place strongly. A balanced curve spreads value through the final table. A flatter curve supports friendly events where more players should cash. The calculator builds weights for each place, then normalizes the weights against the available prize pool.
Minimum Cash Control
Minimum cash is important. Many events want the last paid place to earn at least a selected multiple of the buy-in. The tool checks that target and warns when it may be too high for the chosen paid places. This helps avoid structures that look generous but cannot be funded cleanly.
Rounding And Adjustments
Real payout tables usually use rounded numbers. This page lets you round to common chip or currency units. Rounding can leave a small remainder. The calculator assigns that remainder to first place, which keeps the total matched to the payable prize pool.
Practical Use
Use this tool before publishing a structure sheet. Test several field sizes. Compare different paid percentages. Review the top prize, min-cash, overlay, and average cash. Then export the table for records or sharing. The result is a transparent payout plan that is easy to explain. It also reduces disputes, because each prize line is visible before play begins. Good planning protects trust and improves player confidence too overall.
FAQs
What is a poker tournament payout calculator?
It estimates how a tournament prize pool should be divided among paid finishing places. It uses entries, buy-ins, rake, guarantees, and payout curve settings.
What does overlay mean?
Overlay happens when the net collected prize pool is lower than the advertised guarantee. The organizer adds the difference so the guaranteed amount is still paid.
Should paid places use entrants or total entries?
This calculator uses total entries, including re-entries. Some venues use unique players instead. Adjust the fixed paid places option if your rules differ.
What is a top-heavy payout curve?
A top-heavy curve sends more prize money to the highest finishing positions. It creates a larger first prize and smaller lower cashes.
What is a flat payout curve?
A flat curve spreads the prize pool more evenly. It is useful for friendly events, leagues, charity tournaments, and casual player pools.
Why use a minimum cash multiple?
It helps ensure the lowest paid place wins at least a chosen multiple of the buy-in. This makes min-cash awards easier to justify.
Why does first place receive the rounding remainder?
Rounded payout tables can leave a small difference. Adding the remainder to first place keeps the total equal to the prize pool.
Can I export the payout table?
Yes. After calculation, use the CSV button for spreadsheet data. Use the PDF button for a simple printable payout report.