If you’re new to matched betting or betting in general, one of the first things to learn is how fractional odds work. While 99% of the time you should just change how you view odds from fractional to decimal, there are times when this may not be able to happen!

And this is where this article comes in handy. If you need to know how to understand fractional odds, then keep on reading to find out!

What Are Fractional Odds?

Fractional odds are a way to display and calculate potential winnings in betting, compared to the amount you bet. They are typically written with two numbers separated by a slash (e.g., 3/1, 5/2). These odds are one of the most traditional forms used in betting, particularly popular here in the UK and in horse racing.

Understanding Fractional Odds

Understanding fractional odds is actually incredibly simple, you just need to remember that the:

• Top Number (Numerator): This is the amount of profit you win if your bet is successful.
• Bottom Number (Denominator): This represents the amount you need to bet to win the profit shown by the numerator.

For example:

• 3/1 (read as “three to one”): You win $3 for every $1 you bet. If you win, you get $4 total ($3 profit + your $1 bet back).
• 5/2 (read as “five to two”): You win $5 for every $2 you bet. If you win, you get $7 total ($5 profit + your $2 bet back).

However, it’s important to remember:

When the first number (numerator) is smaller than the second number (denominator), like 1/4, it means:

• High Probability of Winning: These odds indicate that the event is very likely to happen. The bookmakers are confident, so they offer less profit for what they see as a safer bet.
• Lower Profit: Betting on these odds yields less profit. For example, a $4 bet at 1/4 odds gives you only $1 profit if you win, totaling $5 back.

Recap

To be honest, that’s all there is to know about fractional odds. What’s more important is changing them from fractional to decimal whenever you can. Decimal odds are a lot simpler to understand, and they’re going to reduce the chances of you making mistakes.