What is Fractional Odds?
Fractional odds are a method of describing the odds offered on a particular event, and it is the traditional way of doing so in the UK and Ireland. They reflect the return that is possible based upon the stake. For instance, if the odds are 5/1, it means that for every 1 unit of currency you bet, you could win 5 units in profit if your bet is successful.
The first number, or numerator, is the profit, while the second number, or denominator, reflects the stake required to win that profit.
Example of Fractional Odds
- Odds of 5/1: For every $1 bet, you win $5 in profit (plus your original $1 back).
- Odds of 1/2: For every $2 bet, you win $1 in profit (plus your original $2 back).
Fractional odds are often preferred in sports betting, horse racing, and other gambling markets in Europe, and they are part of a broader category that includes decimal and moneyline odds, used in different regions.
Fractional odds, also called British, UK, or Traditional odds, are displayed as fractions, like 5/1. This format indicates that for every $1 you bet, you’ll win $5 in profit plus your original stake, totaling $6 in returns.
That’s why it is so popular to use it on betting on Premiere league games.
Explained by example
When you see two numbers separated by a slash, such as 10/1, this represents fractional betting odds. Fractional odds help you calculate potential winnings based on your stake. The first number (e.g., 10) shows how much you can win, while the second number indicates the amount you need to stake.
- For every €1 you bet, you would win €9, as 1 / (9 + 1) = 0.10. This suggests a 10% probability that the event will occur.
- For every €1 you bet, you would win €1, calculated as 1 / (1 + 1) = 0.50, indicating a 50% probability of the event happening.
- For every €4 you bet, you would win €1, calculated as 4 / (4 + 1) = 0.80, meaning there’s an 80% chance of the event occurring.
Fractional odds calculator
We prepared odds calculator for you, you can choose type of Odds and calculate it easily.
Betting Odds Calculator
Below is a table highlighting the difference between fraction and decimal odds
| Decimals | What does it mean? | |
| 3/1 | 4.00 | Place €1 euro to return €4 (€3 euro winnings + €1 stake) |
| 4/1 | 5.00 | Place €1 to return €5 (€4 winnings + €1 stake) |
| 11/2 | 6.50 | Place €2 to return €13 (€11 winnings + €2 stake) |
10 key facts about Fractional odds:
- Traditional Format: Fractional odds are one of the oldest betting formats, commonly used in the UK and Ireland, hence often referred to as “British” or “UK odds.”
- Format Example: Fractional odds are represented as two numbers separated by a slash, such as 10/1, where the first number indicates potential winnings relative to the stake (e.g., for a €1 bet at 10/1, you win €10).
- Profit Calculation: With fractional odds, the first number is the profit, while the second is the stake required to win that profit. For example, 5/2 means you win €5 for every €2 bet.
- Converting to Probability: Fractional odds can be converted to implied probability. For example, 3/1 odds represent a 25% chance, calculated as 1 / (3 + 1) = 0.25.
- Simple Winnings Calculation: To calculate total return, add the original stake to the profit. For 10/1 odds, a €1 stake returns €11 (€10 profit + €1 stake).
- Decimal Conversion: Fractional odds can be converted to decimal odds by dividing the first number by the second and adding 1. For instance, 5/1 in decimal odds is 6.00.
- Odds vs. Probability: Higher fractional odds mean a lower probability of winning but offer a higher potential payout, while lower odds represent a higher likelihood of winning with a smaller payout.
- Common in Horse Racing: Fractional odds are particularly popular in horse racing, where odds like 4/1 or 7/2 are commonly seen on racecards.
- Minimum Odds: Fractional odds as low as 1/100 are possible, meaning a €100 bet returns just €1, indicating a high probability of winning (99%).
- In-Play Betting: Fractional odds are also used in live or in-play betting, where odds are adjusted continuously based on the progression of the event, like 3/1 shifting to 4/1 mid-game.
Pros and Cons of Fractional Odds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Standard in the UK and Ireland, making them familiar to local bettors. | Can be confusing for beginners unfamiliar with fractions. |
| Clearly shows the ratio of potential profit to stake. | Odds like 4/5 or 8/13 can be harder to interpret compared to decimals. |
| Appeals to traditional bettors due to its long history in betting. | Only shows profit; you must add the stake to find the total payout. |
| High odds (e.g., 100/1) are easy to grasp without extra calculations. | Other formats are more common internationally, causing confusion. |
| Preferred format in horse racing, a popular sport for betting. | Less convenient for spreadsheets or advanced data analysis. |
FAQ
What does it mean if fractional odds are less than 1/1?
Odds below 1/1, such as 1/2 or 4/5, are known as “odds-on.” This indicates that the potential profit is less than the stake, yet the outcome is more likely. For example, a €10 bet at 1/2 returns a profit of €5 along with a total payout of €15.
Can fractional odds be converted to decimal or American odds?
Yes, it is possible to convert fractional odds easily. In order to convert the odds into decimal odds, add 1 to the fractional odds – for example, 5/1 becomes 6.0.
To American odds: For positive odds, multiply by 100; for odds-on, divide 100 by the fractional odds. Example: 5/1 becomes +500 and 1/2 becomes -200.
How do I calculate potential winnings with fractional odds?
To find the amount of money that you could win, multiply your stake by the numerator and then divide it by the denominator.
Example Using the same bet of €10 on odds of 8/2:
– Possible profit = €10 × 8 ÷ 2 = €40.
– You also get your stake back, so the total payout is €50.
