Unit Sizing
When a pick says 1u, 2u or 0.5u, that is a unit size. Units let people with very different bankrolls follow the same plays and compare results.
What a unit is
A unit is a fixed bet size worked out from your bankroll. The common choice is 1 unit = 1% of your bankroll.
- $500 bankroll: 1 unit = $5
- $1,000 bankroll: 1 unit = $10
- $5,000 bankroll: 1 unit = $50
That is why records are kept in units. A record of +10 units means $50 to someone betting $5 units and $500 to someone betting $50 units: the same plays at a different scale.
Reading the scale
0.5uHalf a unit: a longer shot, or a play with more risk, such as a parlay.
1uA standard play. The default.
2uA stronger play.
3uThe most anyone should put on one bet.
An example
Bankroll $1,000, unit $10A 2u moneyline play: bet $20.
A 1u spread play: bet $10.
A 0.5u parlay: bet $5.
A 1u spread play: bet $10.
A 0.5u parlay: bet $5.
Keep it capped
Never go above 3 units on one bet. If you are new, bet 0.5u or 1u on everything until the routine is second nature.
Key takeaways
- 1 unit is usually 1% of your bankroll.
- Multiply the pick's units by your unit to get your stake.
- Records in units are comparable across bankrolls; records in dollars are not.
Use it on the boards
Put it to work
The MC Sports model boards rank every player and game, every game day, and show the numbers behind each score.
See the model boards →