Hold Calculator
Operator hold (vig) on a two-way market with the implied probabilities.
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)
- 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, or margin, is the bookmaker’s built-in profit. It equals the amount by which the total implied probabilities run over 100%. A 5% hold means the bookmaker expects to retain 5 cents of every dollar wagered.
What hold percentage is considered good?
For bettors, lower is better. Most sportsbooks run a hold of 4-10% on standard markets. Sharp bookmakers may price at 2-3% margins, while some prop bets carry margins of 15% or more.
What are fair odds?
Fair odds are the prices that would apply if the bookmaker carried zero margin. They reflect the true mathematical probability of each outcome as the market estimates it.