How to use the ICM calculator
- Enter every remaining player's chip stack, separated by commas. You can write 25k for 25,000.
- Enter the remaining payouts from first place down. Places that pay nothing can be left off.
- The table shows each player's chip share, their ICM dollar value, and how a simple chip chop compares.
What is ICM in poker?
The Independent Chip Model (ICM) converts tournament chips into prize money. In a cash game a chip is always worth its face value, but in a tournament it isn't: the winner can only collect first prize, no matter how many chips they hold. That means each extra chip is worth a little less than the last for a big stack, and short stacks' chips are worth more than their face value because they can still finish in the money.
The calculator uses the Malmuth–Harville method: the chance of finishing first equals your share of the chips; then the same rule is applied among the remaining players for second place, and so on. Your ICM value is the sum of every payout multiplied by the probability of finishing in that place.
ICM example
Three players remain with 50%, 30% and 20% of the chips, and payouts of $50, $30 and $20. A chip chop would pay $50, $30 and $20. ICM values the stacks at about $38.39, $32.75 and $28.86. The chip leader is worth far less than half the prize pool, and the short stack is worth much more than 20%.
Three players left in a $1,000 prize pool paying $500 / $300 / $200:
| Player | Chips | Chip chop | ICM value |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 5,000 | $500.00 | $383.93 |
| B | 3,000 | $300.00 | $327.50 |
| C | 2,000 | $200.00 | $288.57 |
The chip leader's chips are worth less than their share of the chips, and the short stack's are worth more, because every remaining player is guaranteed at least $200.
How ICM affects your decisions
- Calling all-ins gets tighter near the bubble and at final tables, because busting costs more than doubling up gains.
- Medium stacks feel the most pressure, especially when a shorter stack is close to busting.
- Big stacks can apply pressure with wider shoves because others must call tighter.
For short-stacked shoving ranges, see the push/fold chart. To set the prize structure first, use the tournament payout calculator.
ICM chop vs chip chop
When players agree to split the remaining prize money, a chip chop pays everyone in proportion to their chips. That heavily favors the chip leader. An ICM chop uses the values above and is generally considered fairer. Many deals also leave a small amount to play for.
ICM calculator FAQ
Is ICM perfectly accurate?
No model is perfect. ICM ignores skill differences, seat position and blind levels, but it is the standard used for deals and for studying final-table decisions.
Does ICM apply to cash games?
No. In cash games chips equal money, so ICM doesn't apply.
How many players can I enter?
Up to 10 players and any number of payouts.
What about bounties?
Standard ICM doesn't include bounties. Add a player's bounty value on top of their ICM equity as a rough adjustment.