American Odds to Implied Probability Calculator
Convert moneyline odds to win percentage instantly
Quick Conversions
Conversion Formula & Calculation
American odds, also known as moneyline odds, represent the amount you need to wager or the amount you can win on a $100 bet. Converting these odds to implied probability helps you assess the likelihood of an outcome occurring according to the bookmaker.
Negative Odds Formula
When odds are negative (e.g., -150):
de>Implied Probability = |Odds| / (|Odds| + 100) × 100%
Implied Probability = 150 / (150 + 100) × 100% = 150 / 250 × 100% = 60%
Positive Odds Formula
When odds are positive (e.g., +200):
de>Implied Probability = 100 / (Odds + 100) × 100%
Implied Probability = 100 / (200 + 100) × 100% = 100 / 300 × 100% = 33.33%
Step-by-Step Conversion Process
- Identify the odds type: Determine whether the American odds are positive (+) or negative (-). Negative odds indicate favorites, while positive odds indicate underdogs.
- Extract the numerical value: Take the absolute value of the odds (remove the +/- sign) for calculation purposes.
- Apply the appropriate formula: Use the negative odds formula for favorites or the positive odds formula for underdogs.
- Calculate the percentage: Perform the division and multiply by 100 to get the implied probability as a percentage.
- Interpret the result: Higher percentages indicate higher likelihood according to the bookmaker’s assessment.
Common Odds Conversion Table
| American Odds | Implied Probability | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| -1000 | 90.91% | Heavy favorite |
| -500 | 83.33% | Strong favorite |
| -300 | 75.00% | Significant favorite |
| -200 | 66.67% | Moderate favorite |
| -150 | 60.00% | Mild favorite |
| -110 | 52.38% | Slight favorite |
| +100 | 50.00% | Even money |
| +150 | 40.00% | Mild underdog |
| +200 | 33.33% | Moderate underdog |
| +300 | 25.00% | Significant underdog |
| +500 | 16.67% | Strong underdog |
| +1000 | 9.09% | Heavy underdog |
Practical Applications in Sports Betting
Value Betting Strategy
Compare the implied probability from bookmaker odds with your own probability assessment. If you believe an outcome has a higher chance of occurring than the implied probability suggests, you may have identified a value bet opportunity.
Bankroll Management
Knowing implied probabilities helps you determine appropriate stake sizes. Many professional bettors use the Kelly Criterion, which requires knowing the true probability versus the implied probability to calculate optimal bet sizing.
Line Shopping
Different sportsbooks may offer varying odds for the same event. Converting all odds to implied probabilities allows you to quickly identify which bookmaker offers the best value for your desired wager.
Vigorish (Vig) Consideration
Bookmakers build a profit margin, called vigorish or vig, into their odds. This means the sum of implied probabilities for all possible outcomes typically exceeds 100%. The excess represents the bookmaker’s theoretical profit margin.
Team A: -110 (52.38% implied probability)
Team B: -110 (52.38% implied probability)
Total: 104.76%
The 4.76% difference represents the bookmaker’s vig. True probabilities would sum to exactly 100%.
When making betting decisions, some bettors calculate “no-vig” or “fair” odds by removing this margin to determine true probabilities. This provides a more accurate assessment of actual outcome likelihoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- Cortis, D. (2015). Expected values and variances in bookmaker payouts: A theoretical approach towards setting limits on odds. Journal of Prediction Markets, 9(1), 1-14.
- Woodland, L. M., & Woodland, B. M. (1994). Market efficiency and the favorite-longshot bias: The baseball betting market. Journal of Finance, 49(1), 269-279.
- Levitt, S. D. (2004). Why are gambling markets organised so differently from financial markets? The Economic Journal, 114(495), 223-246.
- Sauer, R. D. (1998). The economics of wagering markets. Journal of Economic Literature, 36(4), 2021-2064.
