Converting from fractions to decimals can be a tricky task for some people, you’ve gotten so used to seeing odds in a particular layout, converting can be sometimes frustrating. With bookmakers giving you the option to usually choose between four options – Fractional, Decimal, American & American Fractional. On the exchange, decimal takes the precedent.
The most basic way to understand odds and the conversion, is to always take Evens (1/1 or 2.00) as your starting point. Anything odds on will be between 1 and 2, anything above 2.00, is odds against.
If you were to look into the maths behind the conversion, I’ll quickly explain the workings and how to correctly understand both variations of the odds.
If we were to take odds of 4/1 for example, with A=4 and B=1, here’s the equation:
Conversion of Fractional Odds to Decimal = (A/B) +1 = (4/1) = 4 + 1 = 5.00.
It’s becoming more common that fractions are being superseded by decimals, especially with the ever-growing community utilising the Betfair Exchange, Fractional seems to be forgotten about.
As I mentioned above, there are a few other variations of odds and how they’re displayed, this is the American format. These are used by bookmakers/exchanges who are used by American customers. The American odds are easy to distinguish, they’ll have a + or – in front of the number.
+ = How much money you will win if you stake £100.
– = How much money you need to stake to win £100.
Conversion of Fractional Odds to Decimal (American)
To convert a fractional odd of higher than 1/1, let’s use 2/1 as an example:
Convert the fraction to decimals, then multiply that number by 100 again.
3.00 x 100 = +300, this is the American odds equivalent of 2/1 Fractional odds.
To convert a fractional odd of 1/1 or lower, let’s use 1/4 as an example:
Convert the fraction to decimals by multiplying it by 100 = 1/4 = 0.25
Then divide -100 by the decimal above to find the American Odds.
-100/0.25 = -400, this is the American odds equivalent of 1/4 Fractional odds.
