The Three Main Odds Formats
Different regions use different odds formats. Understanding all three helps you compare odds across bookmakers worldwide.
Decimal Odds (European)
The simplest format. A $10 bet at 2.50 returns $25 total ($15 profit + $10 stake). Multiply stake by odds for total return.
Fractional Odds (UK)
Expressed as fractions like 5/2. A $10 bet at 5/2 returns $25 profit plus your $10 stake. Divide the first number by the second, multiply by stake.
American Odds (Moneyline)
Positive odds (+200) show profit on $100 bet. Negative odds (-150) show how much to bet for $100 profit. +200 means $100 wins $200.
Converting Between Formats
Decimal to fractional: (decimal - 1) as fraction. 2.50 becomes 3/2. American to decimal: for positive (+200): (200/100) + 1 = 3.00
