1. Home
2. How we calculate

How we calculate

Every calculator on StakeMaths uses the same settlement rules, written once in the site’s code and tested against worked examples before each release.

Odds

We work in decimal odds internally. Fractional odds are converted by adding one (5/2 becomes 3.5), and American odds by the usual formula (+250 becomes 3.5, −200 becomes 1.5). Results are shown to the penny; bookmakers may round differently by a penny or two.

Each-way bets

An each-way bet is two equal stakes. The win part pays at full odds if the selection wins. The place part pays at the win odds multiplied by the place fraction you choose (for example 1/5) if the selection wins or places. Place terms are set by each bookmaker, so we let you enter the terms on your slip rather than guess them. Our table of usual terms comes from Sporting Life’s each-way guide.

Multiples and full-cover bets

A multiple rolls the full return of each winning leg on to the next. Full-cover bets are settled as their separate lines: for example a Yankee is the 6 doubles, 4 trebles and the fourfold on four selections. Bet sizes match Sporting Life’s glossary of bets.

Non-runners

A non-runner in a multiple counts as odds of 1.0, so the bet drops down a level. A single on a non-runner returns the stake. Ante-post bets on non-runners are usually lost, which the calculators don’t model.

Rule 4

Rule 4 deductions use the table in Sporting Life’s Rule 4 guide, which follows the Tattersalls Rules. The deduction is taken off winnings only, on both win and place parts, before the return rolls on in a multiple.

Dead heats

The stake on the part decided by the dead heat is divided by the number of runners that tied, then paid at full odds. A dead heat for first affects the win part; a dead heat for the last paying place affects the place part.

Darts checkouts

The checkout finder looks at every combination of up to three darts that reaches zero with a double (or the bull) last, then ranks them: fewer darts first, then easier set-up darts and doubles that split well if missed. The ranking is a convention, not a rule; any valid route finishes the leg.

What the calculators leave out

• Bookmaker bonuses and consolations, such as Lucky 15 bonuses.
• Maximum payout limits, which vary by bookmaker and race.
• Best Odds Guaranteed: enter the starting price yourself if it was bigger.
• Tote and pool bets, forecasts and tricasts.

Your bookmaker’s own terms decide what you are paid. If our answer and theirs differ, ask them for their settlement and tell us if you think we’re wrong.