Understanding the basics of betting helps anyone who wants to keep control of their spend. One term that comes up a lot is “unit”, which is simply a way to standardise stake sizes and track results.
Betting jargon can be off-putting at first, but units make things clearer. They help separate decision-making from cash amounts, so it is easier to budget and avoid common pitfalls.
This guide explains what a unit is, how to choose a sensible unit size, how many units to place per bet, how units interact with different odds, and how they affect your bankroll over time. You will also find tips on tracking performance, using units for parlays and accumulators, and mistakes to avoid.
How Do Betting Units Work?
A betting unit is a reference amount used to measure stake size. Instead of talking in pounds, bettors talk in units to keep things consistent across different bets and sports.
For example, one person might set one unit as £2, while another might use £5. The exact figure is personal and should fit the individual’s budget.
Using units makes it easier to compare bets, review performance, and discuss staking without fixating on cash values. It is a straightforward planning tool that supports consistent staking and clearer records.
If the idea is new, the next step is deciding what your unit should be.
Calculating Your Unit Size
A unit is usually set as a small percentage of your bankroll, which is the total amount put aside for betting. Many people use between 1% and 5% of that figure so that no single bet has an outsized effect.
For example, with a £100 bankroll, a unit of £1 to £2 is common. With £500, a unit might be £5 to £10. This keeps individual stakes modest and reduces the impact of a poor run.
Unit size is a personal choice. It should reflect your circumstances and only use money you are prepared to lose. If your bankroll changes, revisit your unit so the percentage stays in line with your original approach.
With a unit set, the next question is how many units to stake on each bet.
How Many Units Should I Stake On A Bet?
Most bettors keep things steady by staking one unit on a typical selection. They might go to two or three units when they have a stronger view, but only on rare occasions to avoid big swings.
Keeping the majority of bets at one unit makes results easier to understand in the long run. It also reduces the temptation to scale up stakes sharply after a loss or a win, which can unbalance a bankroll.
Rather than chasing outcomes, many people treat unit size as a cap on risk per bet. That keeps staking predictable and leaves room to ride out normal ups and downs.
Next, it helps to see how units fit with different odds styles.
Using Units With Different Odds Formats
Units work the same way whether odds are shown as fractional, decimal or American. The stake does not change just because the format looks different.
If your unit is £2, staking one unit at 2/1, 3.00 or +200 still means a £2 outlay. What changes is only how the potential return is presented. Because the stake stays constant, comparing results across markets and sites becomes far simpler.
This consistency is especially useful if you move between sportsbooks that display odds differently. Your records stay tidy because the unit anchors your staking.
With that foundation in place, you can start to see how units shape your balance over time.
How Do Units Affect Your Bankroll Over Time?
A fixed unit puts structure around winning and losing runs. Each result shifts your bankroll by a clear number of units, so you can see the impact of your decisions without recalculating from scratch.
If your bankroll drops, reducing your unit helps protect the remaining funds and keeps stakes aligned with your plan. If it grows, some bettors increase their unit proportionally, although doing so gradually helps avoid creeping stakes too quickly.
Tracking in units also highlights how volatility affects different bet types. Over a longer period, this clearer picture can guide better choices about where and how you stake.
To get that clarity, good record keeping makes a real difference.
Tracking Units In Your Betting Record
Keeping a simple betting log in units shows how your approach is performing. Many people note the date, event, market, odds, stake in units, result in units, and a running total. Because everything is in the same reference measure, you can compare bets across sports and odds formats at a glance.
Patterns soon stand out. You might notice certain markets that consistently underperform, or that larger-than-usual stakes tend to follow a loss. Spotting these trends early makes it easier to adjust before small issues become expensive habits.
Accurate records support control. Review them regularly and keep them honest.
Are Units Used For Parlays And Accumulators?
Yes. Units apply to parlays and accumulators just as they do to singles. You still choose to stake one or more units, and you still record the outcome in units.
Because these bets combine several selections, the results can be more volatile. Keeping unit stakes modest relative to your singles can help manage those swings. Recording them alongside your other bets gives a complete view of how multi-leg bets affect your overall results.
If you prefer to place these occasionally, units make it easier to keep them in proportion to your usual staking.
Common Mistakes With Betting Units
Even with a clear plan, a few missteps are common. Being aware of them makes them easier to avoid.
- Not setting a unit and changing stake sizes on a whim, which makes results harder to track and control.
- Staking too many units on one selection, especially after a loss, which can drain a bankroll quickly.
- Failing to review unit size when funds change, so stakes end up out of step with the plan.
- Skipping proper records, which hides patterns such as chasing losses or staking more than intended.
If you choose to bet, keep it within your means and take breaks. If gambling starts to affect your finances or well-being, seek help early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential support.
Using units does not guarantee positive results, but it does offer structure. With a steady unit size, clear records and measured staking, it becomes easier to stay in control and make informed decisions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.