How to use the staking calculator
Selling action
- Enter the tournament buy-in and the percentage you're selling.
- Enter the markup: 1.0 means face value, 1.2 means backers pay 20% extra.
- Optionally enter a prize to see how it would be split.
Makeup deal
- Enter any makeup carried from previous losses.
- Enter what the backer put up this period and what you cashed for.
- Enter the agreed profit split (50/50 is common).
What is markup?
Markup is the premium a player charges for their action. If you sell 10% of a $1,000 tournament at 1.2 markup, backers pay $120 for $100 worth of action. The extra $20 rewards the player's expected edge. Backers only profit long-term if the player's true ROI is higher than the markup — at 1.2, that's an ROI above 20%. Check a player's record with the tournament ROI calculator.
Selling action example
You sell 40% of a $1,000 event at 1.2 markup. Backers pay $480, so your own cost is just $520 for 60% of the action, and you've earned an $80 markup premium. If you win $12,000, backers receive $4,800 and you keep $7,200.
Selling 50% of a $1,000 tournament at different markups:
| Markup | Price per 1% | Money raised for 50% | ROI you need for backers to break even |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | $10.00 | $500 | 0% |
| 1.1 | $11.00 | $550 | 10% |
| 1.2 | $12.00 | $600 | 20% |
| 1.3 | $13.00 | $650 | 30% |
What is makeup?
In a backing deal, the backer pays all buy-ins and profits are split, usually 50/50. If the player loses, those losses become makeup: the player must win them back before any profit is split. For example, with $5,000 of makeup, $8,000 in buy-ins and $20,000 in cashes, net profit is $12,000. After clearing makeup, $7,000 is split — $3,500 each.
Staking tips
- Put every deal in writing: percentages, markup, makeup rules and when the deal ends.
- Track every buy-in and cash — disputes almost always come from poor records.
- Agree in advance how re-entries and bounties are handled.
Staking calculator FAQ
Is 1.2 markup fair?
It depends on the player and the event. Strong players in soft fields often charge 1.1–1.5; in tough or large-field events markup is lower.
Does makeup ever reset?
Only if the deal says so. Many deals clear makeup when the partnership ends.
Are staking deals legal?
Private staking is common, but rules vary by country, venue and online site. Check before you sell action.