| Player | Stack | Stack % | ICM Equity | ICM % |
|---|
The Independent Chip Model (ICM) is a mathematical framework used in poker tournaments to convert chip stacks into real monetary value. Unlike cash games where each chip has a fixed dollar value, tournament chips change in value based on the prize structure and remaining players. ICM bridges this gap by calculating each player's expected share of the prize pool.
Our free ICM calculator uses the Malmuth-Harville model to estimate each player's probability of finishing in every possible position. It starts with a simple assumption: a player's chance of finishing first is proportional to their chip stack relative to the total chips in play. From there, it recursively calculates probabilities for second place, third place, and so on by removing each potential first-place finisher and repeating the process.
The calculator then multiplies these finishing probabilities by the corresponding prizes to produce each player's ICM equity — their expected monetary value based on their current stack.
In cash games, accumulating chips is always profitable — more chips always equals more money. In tournaments, this relationship is non-linear. Doubling your stack does not double your equity. Losing all your chips eliminates you entirely. ICM captures this asymmetry, making it an essential tool for serious tournament players.
Use the slider to select the number of players. Enter each player's chip stack on the left and the prize payouts on the right. Click "Calculate ICM Equity" and the tool will instantly show each player's share of the prize pool. No signup, no captcha — the calculation runs entirely in your browser.