Hold Calculator

Calculate the bookmaker's margin (vig/juice) on any two-way market. See implied probabilities, fair odds without the vig, and identify which bookmakers offer the best value.

Please enter valid odds
Please enter valid odds
Results
Bookmaker Margin --
Implied Prob. 1 --
Implied Prob. 2 --
Fair Odds 1 --
Fair Odds 2 --

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select your odds format (Decimal, Fractional, or American)
  2. Enter the odds for Outcome 1 (e.g., Team A to win)
  3. Enter the odds for Outcome 2 (e.g., Team B to win)
  4. View 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 built-in profit. It is the amount by which the total implied probabilities exceed 100%. A 5% hold means the bookmaker expects to keep 5 cents of every dollar wagered.

What is a good hold percentage?

Lower is better for bettors. Most sportsbooks have a hold of 4-10% on standard markets. Sharp bookmakers may offer 2-3% margins, while some prop bets can have 15%+ margins.

What are fair odds?

Fair odds are what the odds would be if the bookmaker had zero margin. They represent the true mathematical probability of each outcome as estimated by the market.