Fractional, decimal and American odds explained

Odds describe the quoted return for a selection. The same price can be written in different formats. Changing the format does not change the underlying price or make a selection more likely to win.

A single price, three formats

Fractional 3/2, decimal 2.50 and American +150 represent the same price. At that price, a £10 winning stake returns £25 in total: £15 profit plus the £10 stake. A losing selection loses the stake. These examples exclude commission, deductions, voids and special settlement rules.

Fractional odds

The fraction describes profit relative to stake. At 3/2, profit is three units for every two staked if the selection wins. To convert a fraction to decimal, divide its numerator by its denominator, then add one.

Decimal odds

Decimal odds include the returned stake. Total return equals stake multiplied by decimal odds. Profit equals stake multiplied by decimal odds minus the original stake. A £10 stake at 2.50 gives £25 total return and £15 profit if it wins.

American odds

Positive American odds describe profit for every 100 units staked. +150 means 150 units profit on a 100-unit stake. Negative American odds describe the stake required for 100 units profit: −200 means staking 200 units for 100 units profit. The arithmetic is the same in any currency.

Implied probability is not a prediction

Divide one by the decimal price, then multiply by 100. Decimal 2.50 implies 40%. This is a price-derived figure, not a verified chance of winning. Bookmaker margin means implied probabilities across all outcomes in a market can add up to more than 100%.

Compare like with like

Check the event, selection, market and settlement rules before comparing prices. A match result at full time is different from a market that includes extra time. Exchange commission or deductions may also affect the final return. Read our comparison methodology and safer gambling information.