Sportsbooks quote the same price in three common formats. They all say the same thing: how much you win relative to what you stake, and, indirectly, how likely the book thinks an outcome is.
American (moneyline) odds
American odds use a plus or minus sign. A minus number such as -150 shows how much you must stake to win 100 (stake 150 to win 100). A plus number such as +150 shows how much you win on a 100 stake (win 150 on 100).
Decimal odds
Decimal odds show the total return per 1 unit staked, including your stake. Odds of 2.50 mean a 10 stake returns 25 in total: 15 profit plus your 10 back.
Fractional odds
Fractional odds show profit relative to stake. Odds of 3/2 mean you win 3 for every 2 staked.
Converting between formats
- +150 in American equals 2.50 in decimal and 3/2 in fractional.
- -200 in American equals 1.50 in decimal and 1/2 in fractional.
- Decimal to American: for decimal of 2.00 or more, (decimal – 1) x 100 gives the plus number. Below 2.00, -100 / (decimal – 1) gives the minus number.
Why it matters
Each price implies a probability. Once you can convert formats, you can compare prices from different books and judge whether a price is fair. Continue with our guide to implied probability and expected value.
Educational content only, not betting advice. Please gamble responsibly; 21+ where applicable.
