Calculating Preflop Raises

[EasilyFound]

Just a clarification question. People often say to put in a preflop raise of 3xBB. Does that mean on top of the BB ($100 BB + $300) or a total bet of 3x BB ($100 BB + $200)? I just want to be sure I understand how folks use that language.

Thanks.

[Unarmed]

the latter

[EasilyFound]

Thanks. I'm glad I asked, becuase I thought it was the former, on top of the BB, not a total bet.

[Rolen]

The latter - Hey, on a slightly different note, I stole this from one of Dali's posts + it's a nice little formula for pre-flop raises..

((BB + SB) * 2) + (any limpers calls added together)

So, for example, blinds are 25/50, you are on the button with AK and there's two limpers. Using that formula, ((25 + 50) * 2) + (50 + 50) = 250, which is a pretty good raise amount for the situation