Question 1

What is a bet calculator?

Accepted Answer

A bet calculator is a free tool that works out your returns and profit for any type of bet. Enter your stake and odds and the calculator shows your total return, profit, and outlay instantly — no manual maths required.

Question 2

How do I calculate a single bet return?

Accepted Answer

For a single bet, total return = stake × decimal odds. For example, £10 at 5/1 (6.00 decimal) returns £60 — that is £50 profit plus your £10 stake. Use our single bet calculator to do this instantly for any odds format.

Question 3

What is an each way bet?

Accepted Answer

An each way bet is two bets in one: a win bet and a place bet, each for the same stake. The place part pays a fraction of the win odds (typically 1/4 or 1/5) if your selection finishes in the top 2, 3, or 4 places depending on the race size.

Question 4

What is Rule 4 deduction?

Accepted Answer

Rule 4 is a percentage deduction applied to winnings when a horse is withdrawn from a race after bets have been placed. The deduction depends on the withdrawn horse's odds at the time of withdrawal — shorter odds mean a larger deduction.

Question 5

What happens to my bet if a selection is a non-runner?

Accepted Answer

If your selection is declared a non-runner, your stake is returned in full and the bet is void. In a multiple bet (double, treble, accumulator), the bet reverts to the next level down — a treble becomes a double, for example.

Question 6

What is a void bet?

Accepted Answer

A void bet is one that is cancelled, with your stake returned. Common reasons include match abandonment, a betting error, or specific ante-post conditions. Set the outcome to "Void" in our calculator to see the correct return.

Question 7

What is the difference between fractional and decimal odds?

Accepted Answer

Fractional odds (e.g. 5/1) show your profit relative to your stake — 5/1 means £5 profit per £1 staked. Decimal odds (e.g. 6.00) show the total return including your stake — £6 back per £1 staked. American odds use a +/− system based on £100 units.

Question 8

What is an accumulator?

Accepted Answer

An accumulator (or acca) combines 4 or more selections into a single bet. All selections must win for the bet to pay out. The returns from each winning selection are automatically staked on the next, multiplying the potential payout significantly.

Question 9

How many bets are in a Lucky 15?

Accepted Answer

A Lucky 15 consists of 15 bets on 4 selections: 4 singles, 6 doubles, 4 trebles, and 1 four-fold accumulator. Even if only one selection wins, you get a return from the 4 singles portion.

Question 10

What is matched betting?

Accepted Answer

Matched betting uses free bets from bookmakers combined with lay bets on a betting exchange to guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome. Our matched betting calculator works out the correct lay stake and expected profit or qualifying loss.

Question 11

What is the Kelly Criterion?

Accepted Answer

The Kelly Criterion is a formula that calculates the optimal percentage of your bankroll to stake on a bet, based on your estimated edge and the available odds. It maximises long-term bankroll growth while minimising risk of ruin.

Question 12

How do I use the each way calculator?

Accepted Answer

Enter your stake per part (the calculator will double it for the two bets), select your odds, then set the each way fraction (e.g. 1/5) and number of places in Settings. The calculator shows win-only return, place-only return, and combined each way return.

Question 13

Can I use the calculator on mobile?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all calculators are fully responsive and work on any device including smartphones and tablets. No app download required.

Question 14

Are the calculators free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all 30+ calculators on this site are completely free to use with no sign-up, no subscription, and no hidden fees.

Betting Calculator FAQ