The Complete Guide To Decimal Odds

Decimal odds are commonly found on betting exchanges such as Betfair and they provide a simple way for bettors to calculate their betting returns. Although the majority of bookmakers & betting websites will offer their users the opportunity to use decimal odds as their default option, the majority of online UK betting sites will automatically use fractional odds on the majority of their sports betting markets.

They offer a far simpler way of calculating your returns and your stake will always be included in your returns.

Examples of Decimal Odds – 1.63, 2.02, 2.50, 3.10

In decimal odds – 2.00 represents even money and anything priced at 1.99 or lower represents an odds-on bet.

Although there are many decimal calculators available online, it is incredibly straightforward to calculate your returns manually.

Example:

• £10 on odds of 2.20 = 10 x 2.20 = £22.00 (including stake). This would see a profit of £12 (£12 + £10 stake returned)

Odds – 2.20

Stake – £10

Winnings – £12

Total Return – £22

• £1 on odds of 4.50 = 1 x 4.50 = £4.50 (including stakes). This would see a profit of £3.50 (£3.50 + £1 stake returned)

Odds – 4.50

Stake – £1

Winnings – £3.50

Total Return – £4.50

Whether you’re looking at football betting markets or enjoying a wager on the Grand National, decimal odds will always be calculated in the same way:

Stake x Decimal Odds = Returns

Returns – Stake = Profit

Here at Bettingtop10, we have reviewed a large number of UK betting sites, many of whom use fractional odds. However, it is far simpler to calculate your returns using decimal odds.

It is also incredibly straightforward to convert decimal odds into fractional odds and you don’t have to be an experienced punter in order to do this.

To work out the fractional odds, you first must remove the 1 (the stake) from the decimal.

Although there are similarities between decimal odds and American odds, there are some fundamental differences between them.

American odds are written in both positive and negative and therefore different conversion methods are required.

To convert decimal odds of 2.00 or greater (evens) use this formula:

(Decimal – 1) x 100

• Example 1:

Decimal Odds – 2.25

(2.25 – 1) = 1.25

x 100 = 125

American odds = +125

• Example 2:

Decimal Odds – 4.50

(4.50 – 1) = 3.50

X 100 = 350

American odds = +350

To convert decimal odds of 1.99 or less use this formula:

(-100) divided by (decimal -1)

• Example 1:

Decimal Odds – 1.80

1.80 -1 = 0.80

-100 / (0.80) = -125

American odds = -125

• Example 2:

Decimal Odds – 1.60

1.60-1 = 0.60

-100 / (0.60) = -166

American odds = -166

Decimal Odds to American Odds Conversion Table

In the UK, football betting is extremely popular and it is incredibly simple to calculate your returns for each market.
In a game of soccer, there are three possible outcomes – Home Win, Draw, Away Win.

• Typically, a home win will be a shorter price. If the hosts are 1.70 and you bet £20 on them to collect three points, your returns will be calculated as:

1.70 x 20 = £34
Profit £14 + £20 stake

• A draw will often be a bigger price and if it’s 3.65 to end all-square, your returns will be calculated as:

3.65 x 20 = £73
Profit £53 + £20 stake

NFL & NBA Betting

In NFL or NBA betting, some UK bookmakers will price up each outcome using decimal odds. This can subsequently be converted into American odds.
In NBA, the points spread will be set by the bookmaker and is often based on recent form and head-to-heads. Most bookies will make the points spread market a 50/50 outcome and each +/- points will be 1.91.

£20 on a team to overcome the -5 points spread at 1.91, your returns will be calculated as:
1.91 x 20 = £38.20
Profit £18.20 + £20 stake

Total Points

The total points market will also be priced up as a 50/50 chance and each outcome will typically be 1.91.
£20 on Over 218 total match points at 1.91, your returns will be calculated as:
1.91 x 20 = £38.20
Profit £18.20 + £20 stake

The money line market odds will greatly vary and this will depend on a number of aspects including recent form, injuries and home court advantage.
£20 on the hosts at 1.25, your returns will be calculated as:
1.25 x 20 = £25
Profit £5 + £20 stake