VPIP and PFR in poker: what the stats mean

VPIP (voluntarily put money in pot) is the percentage of hands in which a player chooses to put money in preflop by calling or raising. PFR (preflop raise) is the percentage of hands they raise preflop. Together these two numbers describe a player’s style quickly.

Posting a blind doesn’t count towards VPIP, because it’s not voluntary.

Typical numbers (6-max cash games)

Player type	VPIP	PFR	What it means
Nit	under 15%	under 12%	Very few hands
TAG	18–25%	15–22%	Solid, aggressive
LAG	28–35%	22–30%	Many hands, aggressive
Calling station	35%+	under 10%	Calls too much
Maniac	50%+	35%+	Raises almost everything

Full-ring tables (9 players) have lower numbers for every type. See player types.

The gap between VPIP and PFR

Small gap (for example 22/19): the player usually raises when they play. Good sign.
Big gap (for example 40/8): the player calls a lot preflop. A typical weak player; value bet them.

Other useful stats

Stat	Measures
3-bet %	How often they re-raise preflop
Fold to 3-bet	How often they fold after opening
C-bet %	How often they bet the flop as the raiser
AF (aggression factor)	Bets and raises divided by calls

How to use stats

You need enough hands: VPIP and PFR settle quickly (a few hundred hands), other stats need many more.
Use them to choose who to play against and how: bluff nits, value bet stations.
Check your own numbers too: if your VPIP is 40%, you’re probably playing too many hands. See starting hands.

Some rooms and tracking tools show these stats; check the room’s rules on which third-party tools are allowed.

FAQ

What is VPIP in poker?

The percentage of hands where a player voluntarily puts money in preflop by calling or raising.

What is PFR in poker?

The percentage of hands where a player raises preflop.

What is a good VPIP for a beginner?

Around 18–25% in 6-max cash games, with PFR close to it.

Are poker tracking tools allowed?

It depends on the room. Check its rules on third-party software before using any tool.