Margin Calculator

Use the Margin Calculator below to convert bookmaker Odds into probability to find out how much you are being charged. You can select between Decimal, American and Fractional Odds. Different operators use varying levels of margin in the odds that they provide customers. You should expect approximate 5-10% margin from most bookmakers.

How to use the margin calculator

Using the margin calculator is very easy, follow the below instructions to determine bookmaker’s expected profit margin.

1. Select whether you want calculate a 2-way or 3-way Market Type. You can usually associate this with a Win / Loss or Win / Draw / Loss market. Although it can be used for other betting markets too.
2. Select the odds format you would like to use. You can select between Fractional, Decimal and American odds.
3. Enter the odds that you have found on the betting operator’s platform. The order does not matter too much as long as you are using a corresponding 2-way or 3-way Market Type
4. You can now see the percentage odds provided by the Bookmaker, the Total Odds and respective Payout. You can also see the total Margin which is indicative of what the Bookmaker is charging their customers for the Odds.

Why is margin important to understand?

It’s important to understand margin so that you can recognise the value you are getting from the bookmaker you are using. However, high margin is not always bad. There are several well recognised bookmakers who offer high margin, but they have the benefits of a solid product that is credible and trustworthy. For a lot of people it brings comfort using a household name when applying bets. Although for more serious bettors, you may want to use this calculator on different bookmaker odds to work out where you can profit the most in the long term.

Higher margin will be considered a lot less by those who are more casual bettors. But particularly those using arbitrage betting, it will be essential to calculate margin.

How do I use this information?

We explain this on our Esports Betting Odds, it is particularly valuable for understanding arbs. This is a high level betting strategy. Arbs stands for Arbitrage. Professional Arbs bettors are constantly calculating margin between different platforms to understand where the value is. That often means calculating odds together to work out how is offering a sub-zero percentage margin (usually between two bookmakers). They will then use this information to hedge their bets on both bookmaker platforms and take the profit from that.

This advanced betting strategy is not recommended for beginners. Although we always suggest upskilling your knowledge with information on margin. This will help you select a bookmaker that is right for you.