Decimal, Fractional and American odds explained

By Conrad Castleton

30 May 2022

Conrad Castleton 30 May 2022

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Stake.com sportsbook allows you to view odds in several formats
Find out the differences between decimal, fractional and american odds

Decimal Odds
Fractional Odds
American Odds
Stake.com Sports Bonus

Stake.com is home to the biggest crypto sportsbook in the world.

The Stake sportsbook has odds on over 30 different sports, with thousands of betting markets available every day.

At Stake, you can view the odds in several formats: Decimal, Fractional and American. In this article, we explain the difference between these three different ways of displaying odds.

Decimal Odds

The most common way of displaying betting odds is in decimals, as it is the most popular one with players. It is also one of the easiest to calculate. All you need to do is multiply the amount you wish to bet by the odds that are offered.

A simple equation is: Odds x Stake = Return

Here is how you can work out the returns on your bet, using a hypothetical soccer game between Liverpool and Manchester United as an example:

Liverpool: 2

Draw: 3.25

Manchester United: 3.80

If you are betting $50 on Manchester United:

3.80 x 50 = $190

Your return includes your original stake, meaning your real profit is $140.

Fractional Odds

Fractional are also a popular way of displaying odds, especially in the United Kingdom. They are a key part of the history of sports betting, but the difficulty in comparing them to other odds means fractional odds are becoming less popular with betting sites and players alike.

The big difference between decimal and fractional odds is that when using fractional, the odds show your real profit rather than showing your total return.

The easiest way to understand this form of odds is using this short formula:

How much you will win/your stake

Therefore, if your odds are 7/1, a $1 wager will win you $7.

American Odds

American odds are quite different to the aforementioned decimal and fractional odds. The interpretation of your odds is based around whether there is a (+) or a (-) within the odds that are displayed. Numbers are expressed that are relative to 100, a base figure.

When there is a (-), you need to bet the amount expressed to win $100.

When there is a (+), you will win the amount expressed for every $100 that you bet.

Using an NBA basketball game as another example:

Chicago Bulls: -270

LA Lakers: +195

This would mean you would have to bet $270 on the Bulls to win to make $100 profit.

This would also mean you would win $195 if you placed $100 on the Lakers to win.

Decimal odds calculate your return, while fractional odds only calculate your profit. With American odds, your profit is based around a figure of $100 – a common and easy to understand value.

You can switch between Decimal, Fractional and American odds at Stake.com simply by clicking on the ‘Odds’ button seen on the sportsbook. These are the three most popular options, but you can also switch to Indonesian, Hong Kong or Malaysian if you prefer.

Stake.com Sports Bonus

Join with the Stake.com code NEWBONUS to get an exclusive welcome bonus worth up to $3000.

If you are yet to register at the crypto sportsbook, here is how to open an account:

Use links on this page to go to the official Stake.com website.
Tap the 'Register’ button and fill in the short registration form. It takes less than one minute to open an account.
When asked if you have a code, type in the Stake promo code NEWBONUS. This code allows you to get the biggest bonus.

To get the bonus:

Log in to your new account
Make sure you have used the NEWBONUS promo code when asked if you have a code
Make your first real-money deposit
You will then get a 200% deposit bonus worth up to $3000

As the world’s biggest crypto sportsbook, you can deposit using a number of different cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Ripple.

Decimal, Fractional and American odds explained

Decimal Odds

Fractional Odds

American Odds

Stake.com Sports Bonus

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