M-Ratio Calculator: Effective chips relative to blind structure, assess MTT survival pressure. Includes Harrington M concept, examples, and FAQ.
M-Ratio = Effective Chips ÷ Small Blind + Big Blind + Total Ante. Popularized by Dan Harrington, used to determine tournament survival stages: Green Zone, Yellow Zone, Orange Zone, Red Zone.
Compared to just looking at BB count, it better reflects MTT survival pressure: M < 10 enters the push-fold zone, M < 5 is more all-in/fold; M > 20 retains post-flop play. It should be updated together with orbit-cost and ICM; the higher the antes, the faster M drops. Use the calculator on this page to instantly calculate break-even equity, then compare the numbers with opponent ranges, position, and turn/river plans — avoid just memorizing the formula without applying it at the table. Common Mistakes Using total stack instead of effective stack; ignoring antes leads to an inflated M. Deep M players still use short-stack shove ranges. Failing to update M when blinds increase, missing the transition from post-flop play to push-fold. Also, do not take Solver frequencies as gospel without checking pot odds; when information is incomplete, ICM and SPR remain the first principles of tournaments. Study Tips Record both M and BB count each orbit, and cross-reference with push-fold tables and break-even steal charts. Distinguish between M preflop survival and SPR post-flop commitment. In your hand history review, mark the M value at each decision point to identify stages where you played too wide or too tight. Each week, pick five real hand histories and recalculate using the same tool, then go back to the glossary to review automatically linked concepts like pot odds, ICM, SPR, etc.
Scenario：
Cost per hand ≈ 500+1000+600 = 2100 2. Context: Tool example step: m-ratio
M = 10,000 ÷ 2100 ≈ 4.8 3. Context: Tool example step: m-ratio
Actually already entered the red/orange zone.
Conclusion：M < 10 should significantly tighten up, prepare for push/fold or steal.
Scenario：Bounty jump from $500 to $800, you have medium stack facing an open shove.
Chip EV may justify call 2. Context: Tool example step: m-ratio
ICM will significantly tighten marginal call 3. Context: Tool example step: m-ratio
Refer to the allocation tool to view the chip value curve.
Conclusion：During a large pay jump, prioritize survival unless your hand is clearly ahead of opponent's shoving range.
Scenario：
Conclusion：Orange/Red zone uses push/fold tables, not standard defend frequencies.
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