Run a Real Calcutta Without the Spreadsheet
Settle Up Golf tracks the auction, runs the live leaderboard, and settles every payout automatically — including ties, half-back, and side-pool bets.
Enter the prize pool and payout structure. Get exact dollar amounts per finishing position — with tie handling built in.
A Calcutta is a tournament betting format where players or teams are auctioned off before play begins. The auction proceeds form the prize pool. After the tournament finishes, the pool is distributed to the owners of the top-finishing teams based on a pre-agreed payout structure.
Most Calcuttas pay the top 3 or top 5 finishers using a stepped percentage. The calculator above takes your prize pool and payout structure and outputs exactly how much each owner collects — including the tie-handling math (which is where most spreadsheets go wrong).
When players tie, they split the combined buckets equally. Examples assuming a $1,000 pool with a Top 3 (60/30/10) structure:
| Structure | Best for | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winner-Take-All | Small fields, dramatic finish | 100% | — | — | — | — |
| Top 2 (70/30) | 4–8 teams | 70% | 30% | — | — | — |
| Top 3 (60/30/10) | 10–20 teams (most common) | 60% | 30% | 10% | — | — |
| Top 3 (50/30/20) | Flatter pay, less top-heavy | 50% | 30% | 20% | — | — |
| Top 4 (40/30/20/10) | 15–30 teams | 40% | 30% | 20% | 10% | — |
| Top 5 (35/25/20/12/8) | 20+ teams | 35% | 25% | 20% | 12% | 8% |
Half-back lets each player buy 50% of themselves back from the auction winner — guaranteeing they have personal stake in the outcome. It builds buy-in across the whole field but reduces the prize pool by 50% of total auction proceeds. Modern Calcuttas usually offer it as optional and let each player decide individually.
Common rule: if a team doesn't get a bid above a $1 (or $5) minimum, the team owns themselves automatically at the minimum and is added to the pool. Some Calcuttas auction them to the highest hand at any price.
Standard rule: if a team withdraws before the tournament starts, the auction winner is refunded. If a team withdraws or is DQ'd during play, the auction money stays in the pool and the team is just out of contention. Set the rule before the auction.
Want the full Calcutta rules? See our Calcutta golf tournament guide for auction strategy, half-back rules, and how to run one.
Settle Up Golf tracks the auction, runs the live leaderboard, and settles every payout automatically — including ties, half-back, and side-pool bets.