Decimal odds give the total return per unit staked on a winning selection. Multiply the stake by the decimal price to find total return, then subtract the stake to find profit. At 2.40, a fictional 10-unit stake returns 24 units, including 14 units of profit.
Use two separate calculations
Total return equals stake multiplied by decimal odds. Profit equals stake multiplied by decimal odds minus one. Both formulas assume a normal winning settlement, with no fees, commission or special promotional terms.
For a ten-unit stake at 2.40: total return is 10 × 2.40 = 24. Profit is 24 − 10 = 14. Keeping the two outputs separate prevents the common mistake of calling the whole return a profit.
Work through several prices
| Decimal price | Example stake | Winning return | Winning profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 | 10 units | 15 units | 5 units |
| 2.00 | 10 units | 20 units | 10 units |
| 2.40 | 10 units | 24 units | 14 units |
| 3.00 | 10 units | 30 units | 20 units |
These are fictional arithmetic examples. They describe payment terms after a win; they do not say how likely a selection is to win or recommend any stake.
Convert the price to an implied percentage
Divide one by the decimal price and multiply by 100. At 2.40, the result is approximately 41.67%. Round the display only after calculating, particularly when comparing several outcomes.
This percentage comes from the price. It is not a verified probability forecast. Market margin and settlement conditions affect how the figure should be interpreted. Do not equate a larger payout with a more attractive or more likely outcome.
Understand losses and voids
A normally losing selection loses the stake in this simplified example. A voided wager is a different settlement state; follow the operator’s actual rules. A push, dead heat or partial settlement may require a different calculation.
The table assumes a simple full win. It intentionally excludes those cases so the main formula remains clear. Always identify the settlement state before applying the winning-return formula.
Compare equivalent formats
Decimal 2.40 corresponds to fractional 7/5 and American +140. The equivalent price has the same basic payout under the same assumptions. Format preference is a reading choice, not an advantage.
Use the wider odds guide to compare displays. When checking a real market, verify that the event, selection, capture time and settlement terms match; equivalent-looking labels can still describe different offers.
Sources and method
This guide was prepared with AI assistance. Fictional examples are original educational demonstrations; they are not live sporting data or betting recommendations. Calculations use the assumptions stated in the text. No independent expert review is claimed.
- Odds and implied probability reference ↗ · checked 2026-10-06
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Read a related guide for more context. Analysis and odds education do not guarantee an outcome or return.
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