Blackjack Card Counting Calculator — Hi-Lo True Count

🂡Blackjack Card Counting (Hi-Lo)

Running count (Hi-Lo)

Decks remaining (estimate)

Base unit bet

—

Educational only. The Hi-Lo system counts +1 for 2–6, 0 for 7–9, and −1 for 10/J/Q/K/A. This tool does the true-count math; it is not a device for use in a casino.

How the Card Counting Calculator Works

Card counting in blackjack tracks the ratio of high cards to low cards left in the shoe. When lots of tens and aces remain, the player has an edge. The Hi-Lo system is the most common: you keep a running count as cards appear, then convert it to a true count by dividing by the number of decks still to be dealt. This tool does that conversion and estimates the resulting edge.

The Hi-Lo values

+1 for low cards: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
0 for neutral cards: 7, 8, 9
−1 for high cards: 10, J, Q, K, A

True Count Formula

True count = Running count / Decks remaining
Rough edge ≈ (True count − 1) × 0.5% (each +1 true count is worth about half a percent)

Worked example

Your running count is +10 and about 5 decks remain, so the true count is 10 / 5 = 2. That is roughly a 0.5% edge to the player, the point where a counter would raise their bet. A true count of 4–5 gives a bigger edge and a bigger bet.

Important

This is an educational math tool. Card counting is legal (it is just thinking), but casinos are private and may refuse service, and using any device to count or predict at the table is illegal in many jurisdictions. Do not use this at a table.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a running count?+

The running count is the running total you keep as cards are dealt using the Hi-Lo values: +1 for 2–6, 0 for 7–9, and −1 for tens and aces.

What is a true count?+

The true count adjusts the running count for how many decks are left: true count = running count divided by decks remaining. It is what actually reflects your edge.

Is card counting illegal?+

Counting in your head is legal — it is just strategy. However, casinos can refuse service, and using an electronic device to count or analyse cards is illegal in many places.

How much edge does counting give?+

Roughly half a percent for each +1 of true count above one, so a true count of 2 is about a 0.5% player edge. Real results depend heavily on the rules and bet spread.

🂡 Card Counting Calculator