Calculate Bookmaker Hold
Hold (vig) on a two-way market, with implied probabilities.
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, 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)?
The hold, or margin, is the bookmaker’s baked-in profit. It’s how far the total implied probabilities push past 100%. A 5% hold means the book expects to pocket 5 cents of every dollar wagered.
What's a good hold percentage?
The lower, the better for you. Most sportsbooks run a hold of 4-10% on standard markets. Sharp books can sit at 2-3%, while some prop bets climb to 15%+.
What are fair odds?
Fair odds are the prices you’d see if the bookmaker carried zero margin. They reflect the true mathematical probability of each outcome as the market sees it.