Betting Odds: How to Read and Compare Them
We break down decimal, fractional and American odds and show how to turn them into probability.
Odds show how much you win for each hryvnia staked. Understanding odds formats helps you compare offers across bookmakers quickly.
Decimal Odds
The decimal format is the most common in Ukraine. Odds of 2.00 mean a ₴100 stake returns ₴200 including the original stake.
Converting to Probability
- Probability = 1 / odds.
- Odds of 2.00 equal 50%.
- Odds of 4.00 equal 25%.
| Format | Example | 50% probability |
|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Fractional | 1/1 | 1/1 |
| American | +100 | +100 |
Once you can convert odds to probability, you can judge the value of a bet and spot inflated odds.
Frequently asked questions
Decimal — it is the simplest for calculating winnings and probability.
It is the commission built into odds that guarantees the bookmaker a profit regardless of the outcome.
Yes, most platforms let you change the format in your account settings.
Author
Dmytro Bondarenko
Sports Betting Editor
Dmytro is responsible for all bookmaker and sports betting content on FreeBetsUA. He analyses odds, markets, and bet settlement speed so readers get objective conclusions. Outside of work he follows Ukrainian football and international tennis.