Hold Betting Calculator
Hold (vig) on a two-way market.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your odds format (Decimal, Fractional, or American)
- Input the odds for Outcome 1 (e.g., Team A to win)
- Input the odds for Outcome 2 (e.g., Team B to win)
- Read off the bookmaker margin, implied probabilities, and fair odds
Formula
Implied Probability = 1 / Decimal Odds
Total Implied Probability = IP₁ + IP₂
Bookmaker Margin (Hold) = Total Implied Probability - 1
Fair Probability = Implied Probability / Total Implied Probability
Fair Odds = 1 / Fair Probability
Frequently Asked Questions
Define bookmaker hold (margin).
The hold or margin is the bookmaker’s built-in profit. It is the amount by which the total implied probabilities exceed 100%. A 5% hold means the bookmaker expects to retain 5 cents of every dollar wagered.
What is a good hold percentage?
Lower favors the bettor. Most sportsbooks run a hold of 4-10% on standard markets. Sharp bookmakers may post 2-3% margins, while some prop bets carry 15%+ margins.
Define fair odds.
Fair odds are the odds that would apply if the bookmaker carried zero margin. They represent the true mathematical probability of each outcome as the market estimates it.