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Break-even win rate calculator for decimal odds

See the win rate needed to break even at a given decimal price. Understand why a high strike rate alone does not demonstrate a profitable betting record.

Break-even win rate calculator

At your average odds, how often must you win just to not lose money?

One divided by the odds. Any advertised win rate below this number loses money at these odds — see Why win rate misleads.

A worked example

At decimal odds of 1.85, the break-even win rate is 1 / 1.85 = 54.05%. At 2.50 it is 40%. A 67% win rate at odds of 1.40 still gives an expected return of 0.67 × 1.40 − 1 = −6.2% per unit staked, under fixed-odds and equal-stake assumptions.

How the calculation works

Decimal odds include the returned stake. If a win earns odds minus 1 and a loss costs 1, expected profit is p × odds − 1. Setting that to zero gives p = 1 / odds. The displayed percentage is rounded to one decimal place.

What this result does not tell you

This simple calculation assumes a fixed price, equal stakes, win-or-loss settlement and no fees. For a real history with different odds or stakes, evaluate each bet’s profit and total stakes: an average price and win rate can conceal important differences. A win rate from a small sample is uncertain and does not prove skill.

Common questions

Are the displayed odds decimal?

Yes. Enter decimal odds greater than 1. For example, 2.00 means a total return of 2 for a winning stake of 1.

Does clearing the threshold guarantee future profit?

No. Your observed win rate can change, and a short record may reflect chance. Fees can also raise the required rate.

What about void bets and commission?

They are outside this simple formula. Exclude returned-stake voids from a win/loss comparison and calculate net returns explicitly when costs apply.

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