When you bet on sports, the odds format you see can look very different depending on the sportsbook. In Europe, you’ll usually find decimal odds. In the UK, fractional odds are common. In the US, American odds dominate. With FunBet, once you understand how to read each type, switching between them becomes second nature.
Below, we’ll walk through each odds system, how to read it, and examples so you can compare them side by side.
Decimal Odds
Decimal odds are the most straightforward system. They show you exactly how much your total return will be for every unit staked, including your original bet.
- Format: A single number, like 1.80 or 2.50
- Used in: Europe, Canada, Australia
How to Read Decimal Odds
To calculate your return, multiply your stake by the odds.
Example 1:
- Odds: 2.50
- Stake: $10
- Calculation: $10 × 2.50 = $25
- Breakdown: $15 profit + $10 original stake
Example 2:
- Odds: 1.80
- Stake: $50
- Calculation: $50 × 1.80 = $90
- Breakdown: $40 profit + $50 original stake
Decimal odds make it easy to see the full return at a glance. If you see odds below 2.00, the team is a favorite. Odds above 2.00 mean they’re the underdog.
Fractional Odds
Fractional odds are traditional in the UK and horse racing markets. They show your profit relative to your stake.
- Format: A fraction, like 5/2 or 7/4
- Used in: UK, Ireland, horse racing worldwide
How to Read Fractional Odds
The first number is the profit. The second number is the stake required to earn that profit.
Example 1: 5/2 odds
- For every $2 you bet, you win $5 profit.
- Bet $10 → Profit = ($10 ÷ 2) × 5 = $25
- Total return = $25 profit + $10 stake = $35
Example 2: 7/4 odds
- For every $4 you bet, you win $7 profit.
- Bet $20 → Profit = ($20 ÷ 4) × 7 = $35
- Total return = $35 profit + $20 stake = $55
Even Money:
When odds are listed as 1/1, it means you win the same amount as your stake. A $50 bet at 1/1 returns $100 total ($50 profit + $50 stake).
Fractional odds can be less intuitive for new bettors, especially when the numbers get unusual (like 11/8). However, once you become accustomed to them, they clearly demonstrate value: the higher the first number compared to the second, the greater the profit potential.
American Odds
American odds, also called moneyline odds, work differently depending on whether the number is positive or negative.
- Format: A number with a plus or minus sign, like -150 or +200
- Used in: United States, online sportsbooks with US markets
How to Read American Odds
- Negative odds (favorites): The number shows how much you must bet to win $100 profit.
- Positive odds (underdogs): The number shows how much profit you win from a $100 bet.
Example 1: -150 odds
- You need to bet $150 to win $100 profit.
- Bet $15 → Profit = ($15 ÷ 150) × 100 = $10
- Total return = $25 ($10 profit + $15 stake)
Example 2: +200 odds
- A $100 bet wins $200 profit.
- Bet $20 → Profit = ($20 ÷ 100) × 200 = $40
- Total return = $60 ($40 profit + $20 stake)
Even Money:
When odds are listed as +100 or -100, it means the payout is the same as your stake. A $50 bet returns $100 total ($50 profit + $50 stake).
American odds take a little practice because of the positive/negative system, but once you spot the pattern, it’s easy to see whether a team is favored or the underdog.
Comparing the Three Odds Systems
Here’s how the same bet looks in all three formats:
- Decimal: 2.50
- Fractional: 3/2
- American: +150
All three mean the same thing: a $100 bet returns $250 ($150 profit + $100 stake).
Favorites have:
- Decimal odds under 2.00
- Fractional odds like 1/2 or 4/7
- American odds with a minus sign, like -150
Underdogs have:
- Decimal odds over 2.00
- Fractional odds like 2/1 or 5/2
- American odds with a plus sign, like +200
Converting Between Odds
Sportsbooks often give you the option to switch odds formats in your account settings. But it helps to understand conversions.
- Decimal → Fractional: Subtract 1, then turn into a fraction. (2.50 → 1.50 → 3/2)
- Fractional → Decimal: Divide first number by second, then add 1. (5/2 → 2.5 + 1 = 3.50)
- American → Decimal:
- For positive odds: (Odds ÷ 100) + 1
- For negative odds: (100 ÷ |Odds|) + 1
Final Thoughts
Odds can look intimidating at first glance, but all three systems tell the same story: how much you’ll win compared to what you risk.
- Decimal odds show the full return in a straightforward number.
- Fractional odds highlight profit versus stake.
- American odds separate favorites and underdogs with minus and signs.
Once you practice reading a few examples, switching between systems becomes second nature. And no matter which format your sportsbook uses, you’ll know exactly what your potential payout looks like before you place a bet.