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Fact Checked
Term
Unit
Review
Quick Summary
A unit is a percentage-based measurement used to size bets according to your bankroll. It helps bettors manage risk, track results across different bet types and sports, and make performance comparisons independent of dollar amount.
What Is a Unit?
A unit represents a standard bet size based on a portion of your total bankroll—typically 1% to 5%. It allows you to:
- Keep bets proportional to your total funds
- Track profits and losses in a normalized way
- Compare your results to other bettors regardless of bankroll size
Example:
If your bankroll is $1,000 and you define a unit as 2%, your unit size is $20. Winning a +150 bet at 1 unit would earn you 1.5 units ($30 profit).
Why Units Matter
- Risk management: Limits exposure on any single bet
- Performance tracking: Shows ROI across time and bet types
- Bankroll preservation: Prevents emotional overbetting
- Fair comparisons: Standardizes tipster performance or CLV across bankroll sizes
- Discipline tool: Predefined stakes reduce the impact of variance
How to Calculate Your Unit Size
- Start with your bankroll: e.g., $1,000
- Choose your risk tolerance: 1–5% is standard
- Multiply: 2% of $1,000 = $20 per unit
- Use for all bets:
- 1 unit = standard bet
- 2–3 units = high-confidence bets (use sparingly)
- 0.25–0.5 units = low-confidence or longshot plays
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Includes examples for $500, $1,000, and $5,000 bankrolls with conservative, standard, and strong confidence plays.
Tips for Using Units Effectively
- Be consistent: Don’t adjust your unit size based on short-term results
- Use bigger units sparingly: Only for true high-confidence edges
- Track in units, not dollars: Units eliminate bankroll bias
- Recalculate if your bankroll changes 25%+
- Don’t chase losses: Stick to your unit sizing no matter the streak
- Monitor your average unit size: Most bets should be 1 unit
Units and Sharp Betting
Units are even more useful when paired with sharp betting strategies. Tracking unit-based CLV (Closing Line Value) helps determine whether your edge is real or luck-based.
This adds authority and context to the importance of using units for disciplined betting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should my unit be?
1–5% of your bankroll, depending on your risk tolerance. 2% is a common starting point.
Can I change my unit size over time?
Yes, but only if your bankroll changes significantly (±25%).
What does “up 5 units” mean?
It means you’ve profited 5× your unit size. If your unit is $50, you’re up $250.
Do I use the same unit size for every sport?
Preferably yes, unless you’ve proven a greater edge in one sport over another.
How many units should I bet per day?
There’s no set rule. Bet when you have an edge, not based on volume.
How many units should I bet on a parlay?
Usually less than normal—around 0.25–0.5 units due to the higher risk.
Learn More
For more foundational betting guides and bankroll management tips, visit The Advantage—your educational resource for disciplined, data-driven betting.