How to Convert Betting Odds: Simple Explanation and Examples

Understanding how betting odds work is essential if you want to find the best value. Sportsbooks around the world use three main formats to display the same payouts: American, Decimal, and Fractional.

Here is a simple breakdown of each format using a standard $100 bet on an even-money matchup (a 50% chance of winning) as an example.

American Odds (+/-)

Mainly used in the US. They use a plus (+) or minus (-) sign based on a $100 baseline.

• Plus (+) shows how much profit you win on a $100 bet.
• Minus (-) shows how much you must bet to win $100 profit.

Example: Odds of +100 mean a $100 bet wins $100 profit. Odds of -150 mean you must bet $150 to win $100 profit.

Decimal Odds

Commonly used in Europe, Australia, and Canada. This number represents your total payout (your original stake plus your profit).

To calculate your total return, multiply your bet amount by the decimal odds.

Example: Decimal odds of 2.00 mean a $100 bet returns $200 total ($100 profit + $100 stake). Decimal odds of 1.50 mean a $100 bet returns $150 total.

Fractional Odds

Popular in the UK and Ireland. They show the ratio of profit you win relative to your bet amount.

• The top number is the profit you win.
• The bottom number is the amount you bet.

Example: Odds of 1/1 (evens) mean a $100 bet wins $100 profit. Odds of 4/1 mean a $100 bet wins $400 profit.

Why Use an Odds Converter?

An online odds converter saves time by switching between these formats instantly. It also calculates the implied probability of the bet. This lets you quickly compare prices across different sportsbooks to ensure you always get the best potential payout.