Calculating winnings on multiple bets

Many people have difficulties calculating the expected returns from winning multiple bets such as doubles, trebles and four-folds. However, it is important to know how much you should be getting, as bookmakers can and do make mistakes. Here's a quick and simple way to calculate the returns due on any accumulator bet from a double upwards.

If you are using fractional odds, first divide out the odds of each ‘leg’ of the bet to produce a single figure in decimals. Add one point to each of these figures, multiply through, then multiply by your stake.

For example, suppose you are lucky enough to have a winning four-fold at 2/1, 10/11, 9/2 and 6/4. Convert these odds to decimals and add one point in each case:

2/1 = 2 divided by 1 = 2.00, plus 1 = 3.00
10/11 = 10 divided by 11 = 0.90, plus 1 = 1.90
9/2 = 9 divided by 2 = 4.50, plus 1 = 5.50
6/4 = 6 divided by 4 = 1.50, plus 1 = 2.50

Now multiply the decimals together: 3 x 1.9 x 5.5 x 2.5 = 78.38. If you had staked £1, the total return would therefore be £78.38. If you had staked £5, your return would be £391.90 (5 x 78.38).

If you are working with decimal odds, of course, as used on Betfair, it is even easier. Just multiply all the decimal prices together as shown above, and multiply this by your stake money.