Hold Calc
Bookmaker hold (vig) on a two-way market, with implied chances.
How to Use This Calculator
- Pick your odds format (Decimal, Fractional, or American)
- Enter the odds for Outcome 1 (e.g., Team A to win)
- Enter the odds for Outcome 2 (e.g., Team B to win)
- See the bookmaker margin, the implied probabilities, and the 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
What is bookmaker hold (margin)?
The hold, or margin, is the bookmaker’s built-in profit. It’s how far the total implied probabilities push past 100%. A 5% hold means the bookmaker expects to pocket 5 cents of every dollar wagered.
What's a good hold percentage?
The lower, the better for bettors. Most sportsbooks run a hold of 4-10% on standard markets. Sharp bookmakers may go as tight as 2-3%, while some prop bets balloon past 15%.
What are fair odds?
Fair odds are what you’d see if the bookmaker carried zero margin. They reflect the true mathematical probability of each outcome as the market sizes it up.