How do I calculate a hedge stake?

For the same result whichever side wins, hedge stake = original stake x original odds / hedge odds, all in decimal. A 100 bet at 4.00 hedged at 1.60 needs 250 on the other side, and either way you finish 50 up.

What does Cover stake do?

It hedges just enough to break even if the hedge wins: hedge stake = original stake / (hedge odds - 1). If the original wins instead, the hedge stake comes off its profit, and the combined result can still be negative when the hedge odds are short.

Can I hedge an accumulator or parlay?

Yes, when one leg is left. Enter the combined odds of the accumulator as the original odds and the price against the last leg as the hedge odds. The parlay calculator gives you the combined odds.

Does hedging make a bet more profitable?

No. Hedging reduces risk, not cost. The hedge is placed at bookmaker odds with a margin, so on average it lowers your expected result. It is a choice about certainty, and the calculator shows exactly what it costs.

Hedge bet calculator

Work out how much to stake on the other side of a bet you already hold, to lock in the same result either way or to break even if the hedge wins. Free, no account, decimal, American and fractional odds.

Hedge a bet

Original odds

Original stake

Hedge odds, other side

Hedge to

Hedge stake: 250.00
If the original wins: +50.00
If the hedge wins: +50.00

The same result whichever side wins. Results are net of both stakes (350.00 in total). Hedging trades upside for certainty; at bookmaker odds it usually costs some expected value.

How it works

A hedge is a second bet on the opposite outcome of a two-way market. With all odds in decimal:

Equal result: hedge stake = stake x odds / hedge odds. Both outcomes return the same amount, so the result is fixed before the event finishes.
Cover stake: hedge stake = stake / (hedge odds - 1). If the hedge wins you break even. If the original wins, its profit is reduced by the hedge stake, which can leave a loss.
Custom: type any hedge stake and see the result of each outcome.

If the original wins: stake x (odds - 1) - hedge stake. If the hedge wins: hedge stake x (hedge odds - 1) - stake. A hedge only locks in a profit when the price has moved your way since you bet, which is why it comes up most after a long-odds bet shortens.

When a hedge is worth a look

A price that has shortened since you bet is movement in your favour. Once the market closes, compare your original odds with the closing price to measure closing line value, using the CLV calculator or the Pinnacle closing odds lookup. Whether to hedge is a separate question: on a market with a margin, the hedge itself is usually slightly negative EV. Check the price you would hedge at with the no-vig calculator, and use the odds comparison to hedge at the best price available. The free value bets page shows where prices sit above fair.

More betting calculators

Calculators show arithmetic, not predictions. No result here guarantees a profit, and betting always carries the risk of losing your stake. Bet only what you can afford to lose; help and limits are on the responsible gambling page.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate a hedge stake?: For the same result whichever side wins, hedge stake = original stake x original odds / hedge odds, all in decimal. A 100 bet at 4.00 hedged at 1.60 needs 250 on the other side, and either way you finish 50 up.
What does Cover stake do?: It hedges just enough to break even if the hedge wins: hedge stake = original stake / (hedge odds - 1). If the original wins instead, the hedge stake comes off its profit, and the combined result can still be negative when the hedge odds are short.
Can I hedge an accumulator or parlay?: Yes, when one leg is left. Enter the combined odds of the accumulator as the original odds and the price against the last leg as the hedge odds. The parlay calculator gives you the combined odds.
Does hedging make a bet more profitable?: No. Hedging reduces risk, not cost. The hedge is placed at bookmaker odds with a margin, so on average it lowers your expected result. It is a choice about certainty, and the calculator shows exactly what it costs.