How to use the tournament payout calculator
- Enter the number of entrants (count re-entries as extra entrants).
- Enter the part of the buy-in that goes to the prize pool. If your $55 tournament takes a $5 fee, enter $50.
- Add any added money or rebuys to the prize pool.
- Choose how many places to pay, or leave it on automatic (about 15% of the field).
- Pick a rounding amount so payouts are easy to hand out in chips or cash.
How poker tournament payouts work
Most tournaments pay roughly the top 10%–20% of the field. Payouts are "top-heavy": first place gets the biggest share, and each place below gets progressively less. Small home games with 10 or fewer players usually pay three places, often 50% / 30% / 20%.
Standard payouts for small tournaments
| Places paid | Payout percentages |
|---|---|
| 1 | 100% |
| 2 | 65% / 35% |
| 3 | 50% / 30% / 20% |
| 4 | 45% / 27% / 17% / 11% |
| 5 | 40% / 25% / 17% / 11% / 7% |
| 6 | 35% / 23% / 16% / 12% / 8% / 6% |
For larger fields, the calculator uses a smooth curve where each place's share is proportional to 1 ÷ finishing position. That keeps first place meaningful while making sure the min-cash is worth more than a buy-in.
Payout calculator example
A home game has 24 players with a $50 buy-in (all to the prize pool) for a $1,200 prize pool. Paying the top 4 at 45/27/17/11 gives $540, $324, $204 and $132. Every cash is more than double the buy-in.
Tips for fair payout structures
- Announce the structure before the start to avoid disputes.
- Make the min-cash at least about 1.5–2× the buy-in.
- Be clear about deals: ICM-based chops at the final table are common, but only if all players agree.
Playing tournaments regularly? Measure your results with the tournament ROI calculator and size your bankroll with the bankroll calculator.
Tournament payout FAQ
What percentage of players get paid in a poker tournament?
Usually 10% to 20%. Many major live events pay about 15%.
How do you split a prize pool for 10 players?
Pay 3 places: 50% / 30% / 20% is the most common structure.
Should the house fee come out of the prize pool?
Only enter the portion that actually goes to players. Fees are kept separate.