Tool
Betting Odds Calculator: Returns, Accumulators and Implied Probability
Work out the return on a single or an accumulator, convert decimal and fractional odds, and see the implied probability behind a price.
This betting odds calculator works out what a bet pays before you place it: enter your stake and the odds, and it shows your total return, your profit and the probability the price implies. It accepts decimal or fractional odds and works for singles and accumulators; moneyline odds and each-way bets are explained below so you can work them out by hand. Results are a guide only; the bookmaker's own bet slip is always what counts.
How to use the betting odds calculator
- Choose the odds format you are reading from. South African bookmakers mostly show decimal odds, while horse racing prices are often quoted as fractions.
- Enter your stake in rand.
- Add one selection for a single, or several for an accumulator (multi).
- Read the combined odds, the fractional equivalent, the implied probability, the return and the profit.
Decimal, fractional and moneyline odds compared
| Decimal | Fractional | Moneyline | Implied probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 | 1/2 | -200 | 66.7% |
| 2.00 | 1/1 (evens) | +100 | 50.0% |
| 3.00 | 2/1 | +200 | 33.3% |
| 5.00 | 4/1 | +400 | 20.0% |
| 21.00 | 20/1 | +2000 | 4.8% |
Decimal odds include your stake: R100 at 3.00 returns R300, of which R200 is profit. Fractional odds show profit only, so 20 to 1 odds pay R20 profit for every R1 staked, a return of R21 per R1. A moneyline of +200 means R200 profit on a R100 stake; -200 means you stake R200 to win R100. Implied probability is 1 divided by the decimal odds.
Football bet calculator: accumulators
In an accumulator every selection must win, and the decimal odds are multiplied together. Three soccer selections at 1.80, 2.10 and 1.50 give combined odds of 5.67, so a R50 multi returns R283.50. The catch is that the bookmaker's margin multiplies too, which is why long accumulators look generous but rarely land. If one leg is void, most bookmakers settle it at odds of 1.00 and the rest of the bet stands; check your bookmaker's rules.
A system bet covers several combinations at once, for example every double and treble from three selections. It costs one stake per line, so a system calculator first counts the lines, then adds up the return from those that win.
Horse racing calculator: each way bets
An each-way bet is two equal bets: one to win and one to place. A R20 each-way bet costs R40. If the horse wins, both parts pay; if it only places, only the place part pays, at a fraction of the win odds set by the place terms, such as one quarter or one fifth. Place terms depend on the number of runners and the race type, so take them from the bookmaker's racing rules. To work out an each-way return, run the win part through the calculator at the full odds, then the place part at the reduced odds, and add the two together.
Free bets, hedging and arbitrage
With a free bet the stake is usually not returned, so a R50 free bet at 4.00 pays R150 profit, not R200. A hedge calculator works out how much to place on the opposite outcome to lock in part of a result. An arbitrage betting calculator, also called a surebet calculator, splits a total stake across all outcomes at different bookmakers when the combined implied probabilities fall below 100%. Matched betting calculators apply the same maths to bonus offers. All of these depend on prices that change quickly and on each bookmaker's terms; our betting strategy guide explains the risks.
Use the numbers, not the hope
A calculator shows what a bet pays, not how likely it is to win in reality. Comparing the implied probability with your own estimate is the starting point of sensible betting, and the best betting odds page shows how to compare prices across licensed bookmakers. Gambling is for adults 18 and over only. If you are betting more than you planned, see our responsible gambling page or call 0800 006 008.
Questions and answers
How do I calculate my return on a bet?
With decimal odds, multiply your stake by the odds. R100 at 2.50 returns R250, which includes your R100 stake and R150 profit.
How much does 20 to 1 pay?
Fractional odds of 20/1 pay R20 profit for every R1 staked. A R10 bet returns R210, including your stake.
How are accumulator odds calculated?
Multiply the decimal odds of every selection. Three legs at 1.80, 2.10 and 1.50 give combined odds of 5.67.
How does an each-way bet pay?
It is two bets of equal stake, one to win and one to place. If the horse only places, the place part pays at a fraction of the win odds set by the place terms.