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If you've bet with different bookmakers, you've probably noticed they show odds differently. Some use numbers like 2.50, others use fractions like 6/4. Some show plus/minus like +150.
These are just different ways of expressing the same thing - the probability of an outcome and how much you'll win. Let me break it down simply.
In This Guide:
• Decimal odds explained
• Fractional odds explained
• How to convert between them
• Which format is better
• How bookmakers use both
Decimal Odds: The European Standard
Decimal odds are the most common format globally. They're popular because they're easy to understand - just multiply your stake by the decimal to get your total return.
The formula: Stake × Decimal Odds = Total Return
Decimal Example
You bet £10 on odds of 3.50
£10 × 3.50 = £35 total return
Your profit: £25 (£35 - £10 stake)
Why Decimal Is Great
Easy to compare - Just look at the number
Easy to calculate - One simple multiplication
Includes your stake - You see exactly what you'll get back
Standard in most of Europe, Canada, Australia
Fractional Odds: The UK Traditional
Fractional odds are the old-school British way. They're still popular in the UK, especially for horse racing and some football markets.
The formula: Stake × (Fraction) = Profit
Fractional Examples
Evens (1/1): Bet £10, win £10 profit + £10 stake = £20 total
6/4: Bet £10, win £15 profit + £10 stake = £25 total
5/1: Bet £10, win £50 profit + £10 stake = £60 total
Reading Fractional Odds
6/4 = For every £4 you bet, you win £6
2/1 = For every £1 you bet, you win £2
1/2 = For every £2 you bet, you win £1 (odds on)
5/1 ="Five-to-one" - five times your stake in profit
Conversion Table
Here's a quick reference for converting between formats:
Fractional
Decimal
Probability
1/1 (Evens)
2.00
50%
4/5
1.80
55.5%
5/4
2.25
44.4%
6/4
2.50
40%
9/4
3.25
30.8%
5/1
6.00
16.7%
10/1
11.00
9.1%
Quick Conversion Formula
Decimal = (Fraction + 1)
Example: 6/4 + 1 = 2.50 (which is 6/4)
To convert Decimal to Fraction:
Decimal - 1 = Fraction
Example: 3.00 - 1 = 2/1
Which Format Should You Use?
Use Decimal If...
You want to easily compare odds between bookmakers
You're building accumulators
You prefer seeing your total return at a glance
You're betting on football (most use decimals)
Use Fractional If...
You're betting on horse racing (traditionally uses fractions)
You're more comfortable with the UK system
You want to quickly calculate implied probability
Why Bookmakers Offer Both
Most online bookmakers let you switch between formats in your account settings. They offer both because:
Customer preference - Different bettors prefer different formats
Different markets - Some markets traditionally use fractions
It's easy to implement - No technical cost to offering both
Pro Tip
Always check your account settings and choose your preferred format. Then stick with it - switching between formats makes it harder to judge value quickly.
Win