How to Use the Odds Converter
A narrated walkthrough of the Sports Compare odds converter: switching between fractional, decimal and American odds, working out returns and reading implied probability.
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Tap a step to jump straight to it in the video.
Tips for getting the most from it
First, have the bet slip or the offer terms open while you use the calculator, because the result is only as accurate as the odds you enter. Then, enter each price exactly as the bookmaker shows it.
For example, if a selection is a non-runner or the event is cancelled, mark it as void so the calculator treats it correctly. After that, change one number at a time, so you can see what really moves your return.
Finally, remember that the calculator shows what a bet would return, not whether it will win. In addition, compare prices across bookmakers before you place a bet, and set a deposit limit first.
Because each chapter is short, you can also rewatch one step at a time. Then, once the idea makes sense, compare the current offers and pick the one that suits you. Meanwhile, keep an eye on expiry dates, since most free bets only last a few days. Above all, only bet what you can afford to lose.
About this video: How to Use the Odds Converter
How to Use the Odds Converter is a short walkthrough of our free tool for switching between odds formats and seeing what a price really means.
First, the video shows that you can type odds in any format. For example, 5/2 converts instantly to decimal odds of 3.5 and American odds of +250. It then explains each format. Fractional odds show profit against stake, while decimal odds show the total return per pound, including your stake.
Next, it explains American odds. Positive numbers show the profit on a $100 stake, whereas negative numbers show what you must stake to win $100. So -200 is the same as 1/2. Adding a stake shows your return, and £10 at 5/2 returns £35.
Finally, the video covers implied probability: 1 divided by the decimal odds. So 3.5 implies about a 28.6% chance. Add up every outcome in a market and the total tops 100%, and that extra is the bookmaker’s margin.
However, rules and offers change. For that reason, we check every video against the Gambling Commission and other official sources. In fact, we last checked this one on 13 October 2026.
Read the transcript
Here's how to use the Sports Compare odds converter, to switch between odds formats and see what a price really means.
Type odds in any format. Enter five to two, and you instantly see it as decimal odds of three point five, and American odds of plus two hundred and fifty.
Fractional odds show profit against stake: win five pounds for every two you bet. Decimal odds show the total return for each pound, including your stake, so three point five gives exactly the same result.
American odds work from a hundred dollar base. Positive numbers show the profit on a hundred dollar stake. Negative numbers show the stake you need to win a hundred, so minus two hundred is the same as one to two.
Add a stake to see your return. Ten pounds at five to two returns thirty-five pounds.
Implied probability is one divided by the decimal odds, so three point five implies about twenty-eight point six percent. Add up every outcome in a market, and the total comes to more than a hundred percent. That extra is the bookmaker's margin.
And evens converts to two point oh, plus one hundred, and a fifty percent chance.
Try the odds converter free, at Sports Compare dot U K. Eighteen plus. Please gamble responsibly.
More video guides
In addition, each of these short guides explains a related idea in plain English. So, once you have watched this one, pick the next topic you need. For example, the calculator walkthroughs show each tool step by step. Similarly, the explainers cover the key ideas behind each offer. Finally, every video has chapters, so you can jump straight to the part you want.
18+ only. Gambling can be addictive; please play responsibly. Free, confidential help: BeGambleAware.org or the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.