ICM calculator
The Independent Chip Model (ICM) converts tournament chip stacks into their share of the remaining prize pool. Enter each player’s stack and the payouts, and the calculator shows every player’s expected prize, plus what a simple chip-chop split would give instead.
ICM equity
Prize pool in play: 100| Player | Chips | Chip % | ICM equity | Chip-chop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | 5,000 | 50.0% | 38.3938.4% of pool | 50ICM −11.61 |
| P2 | 3,000 | 30.0% | 32.7532.8% of pool | 30ICM +2.75 |
| P3 | 2,000 | 20.0% | 28.8628.9% of pool | 20ICM +8.86 |
Malmuth–Harville model. “ICM +/−” shows how much more or less a player gets under ICM than under a chip-chop.
For study and hand review only. Don’t use outside tools during live play. Many poker apps, including ClubGG, restrict real-time assistance. Results are estimates for learning.
Why chips aren’t worth money one-for-one
In a tournament you can’t win more than first prize, and every player left is guaranteed at least the lowest remaining payout. So doubling your stack doesn’t double your prize equity. Chips you win are worth less than chips you lose, which is why ICM pressure makes tight play correct near the money and at final tables.
How the model works
ICM uses the Malmuth–Harville method. Each player’s chance of finishing first equals their share of the chips in play. For second place, the model removes each possible winner in turn and repeats the calculation with the stacks that are left, and so on down the payouts.
Multiplying each finishing probability by its prize, then summing, gives each player’s expected prize: their ICM equity.
Using ICM for deals
A chip-chop splits the remaining prize money in proportion to chips, which favours the chip leader. An ICM deal usually gives short stacks more. Comparing the two helps players see what a fair deal looks like.
Frequently asked questions
What is ICM in poker?
ICM stands for Independent Chip Model. It estimates how much of a tournament’s remaining prize pool each player’s chip stack is worth, based on everyone’s chance of finishing in each paid place.
Is ICM accurate?
ICM is the standard model for tournament equity, but it ignores skill, position and blind levels. Treat it as a strong baseline rather than an exact value.
Chip-chop vs ICM: which is fairer?
A chip-chop gives the chip leader more than their ICM equity and gives short stacks less. ICM better reflects that short stacks are already guaranteed the lower payouts.