Betting Odds Types Explained

Every sportsbook worldwide uses one of six major odds formats. Master all of them — plus use our free converter to translate instantly between any format.

Free Odds Converter

Enter any odds and convert instantly between all 7 formats.

Odds Comparison Table

The same 40% probability displayed in every format — all representing identical value.

Format Display Region Profit on €10 stake Formula
Decimal 2.50 Europe, Australia, Canada €15.00 Stake × Decimal − Stake
Fractional 3/2 UK, Ireland €15.00 Stake × (Num ÷ Den)
American +150 USA, Canada €15.00 Stake × (Odds ÷ 100)
Hong Kong 1.50 Asia, Macau €15.00 Stake × HK Odds
Malay 0.67 Malaysia, SE Asia €15.00 Stake × Malay (if positive)
Indonesian 1.50 Indonesia, SE Asia €15.00 Stake × Indo (if positive)
Implied % 40.00% Universal 1 ÷ Decimal × 100

Each Format In Detail

2.50

Decimal Odds

🌍 Most Common Globally

The most straightforward odds format. The number represents your total return per unit staked, including your stake back.

Formula: Return = Stake × Decimal Odds
Profit: Return − Stake
Example: €50 × 2.50 = €125 return (€75 profit)

Implied Probability

Implied Probability = 1 ÷ Decimal × 100
So 2.50 → 1 ÷ 2.50 × 100 = 40%

1

Odds below 2.00 = Favourite

Anything under 2.00 means the outcome is more likely than not.

2

Odds of 2.00 = Even money (50%)

Coin-flip territory. Profit equals your stake.

3

Odds above 2.00 = Underdog

Less than 50% chance. Bigger potential profit.

Full Decimal Odds Guide →
+150

American / Moneyline

🇺🇸 USA Standard

American odds use a base of $100. Positive odds show how much you win on a $100 bet. Negative odds show how much you must bet to win $100.

+150: Bet $100 → win $150 profit ($250 total)
-200: Bet $200 → win $100 profit ($300 total)
Even money: +100 or -100

Converting to Decimal

Positive: (Odds ÷ 100) + 1

+150 → (150 ÷ 100) + 1 = 2.50

Negative: (100 ÷ |Odds|) + 1

-200 → (100 ÷ 200) + 1 = 1.50

The team with negative odds is the favourite. The team with positive odds is the underdog.

Full American Odds Guide →
5/2

Fractional Odds

🇬🇧 UK Tradition

The oldest odds format, still dominant in UK horse racing. The numerator is your profit; the denominator is your stake.

5/2: Win £5 for every £2 staked (£25 profit on £10 bet)
Evens (1/1): Win equals stake
Odds-on (1/3): Win £1 for every £3 staked

Common Fractional Odds

FractionDecimalImplied %
1/21.5066.7%
1/1 (Evens)2.0050%
2/13.0033.3%
5/23.5028.6%
10/111.009.1%
Full Fractional Odds Guide →
1.45

Asian Odds Formats

Hong Kong · Malay · Indonesian

Hong Kong

Decimal minus 1. HK 1.50 = Decimal 2.50. Shows pure profit per unit. Widely used in Macau and online Asian bookmakers.

Malay

Positive = profit per unit (favourite). Negative = stake required to win 1 unit (underdog). Range: −1 to +1.

Indonesian

Like American but divided by 100. Positive for underdogs, negative for favourites. Common in SE Asian markets.

Asian Odds Full Guide →

Common Questions

Which odds format is easiest to understand?
+

Decimal odds are widely considered the most intuitive. Simply multiply your stake by the decimal to find your total return. The format makes it easy to compare value across markets instantly.

How do I calculate implied probability?
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Divide 1 by the decimal odds, then multiply by 100. Example: 1 ÷ 3.00 × 100 = 33.3%. For American odds, use (100 ÷ (100 + positive odds)) × 100 for positive, or (|negative| ÷ (|negative| + 100)) × 100 for negative.

Why do bookmakers add a margin?
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Bookmakers price all outcomes so that combined implied probabilities exceed 100%. This excess is the margin — their built-in profit edge regardless of the outcome.

Can I change odds format on betting sites?
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Yes, virtually all modern sportsbooks let you switch between decimal, fractional, and American odds in your account settings or preferences.