Hold Tool
Bookmaker hold (vig) on any two-way market, with implied probabilities.
How to Use This Calculator
- Pick 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)
- The tool returns 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
What is bookmaker hold (margin)?
Hold (margin) is the bookmaker’s built-in profit. It is how far the total implied probabilities run past 100%. A 5% hold means the bookmaker expects to keep 5 cents of every dollar wagered.
What hold percentage is good?
Lower favors the bettor. Most sportsbooks hold 4-10% on standard markets. Sharp bookmakers may run 2-3% margins, while some prop bets carry 15%+ margins.
What are fair odds?
Fair odds are the odds with zero bookmaker margin. They reflect the true mathematical probability of each outcome as the market estimates it.