How to Calculate Parlay Bets: Odds, Payouts and Examples
A parlay combines two or more individual bets into a single wager. To win a parlay, every selection must be correct. Because the odds are combined, parlays can offer a larger potential payout than placing the same bets individually.
A parlay calculator makes it easy to calculate the combined odds, potential return, and profit from multiple selections.
What Is a Parlay?
A parlay, also called an accumulator in some countries, combines multiple selections into one bet. Instead of receiving a separate payout for each selection, the odds are multiplied together.
For example, suppose you have three selections with decimal odds of 2.00, 1.80, and 1.50.
The combined decimal odds are:
2.00 × 1.80 × 1.50 = 5.40
How to Calculate a Parlay Payout
Once you have the combined decimal odds, multiply them by your stake to calculate the total potential return.
Example: If your combined odds are 5.40 and you bet $10:
$10 × 5.40 = $54 total return
Your potential profit would therefore be $44, because the original $10 stake is included in the $54 return.
What Happens If One Selection Loses?
In a standard parlay, all selections must win for the parlay to pay out. If one selection loses, the entire parlay normally loses.
Some sportsbooks offer special parlay products or rules involving void selections, so the exact treatment can depend on the sportsbook and market.
Parlay vs Individual Bets
Parlays provide a way to combine multiple selections into one wager, but they also increase the number of outcomes that must be correct.
- Parlays combine multiple selections into one bet.
- All selections normally need to win.
- Combined odds can create a larger potential payout.
- A single losing selection can cause the parlay to lose.
Why Use a Parlay Calculator?
A parlay calculator lets you enter your selections and stake to instantly calculate the combined odds, total potential return, and potential profit. This can save time when comparing different parlay combinations.