Hedge Calculator
Find exactly how much to stake on the opposite outcome to lock in the same profit no matter who wins.
Enter your stake and both odds to see how much to hedge.
This calculation is a guide only. Odds can move before you place the hedge bet — always check the live odds with the operator before staking.
Already placed a bet and found better odds on the opposite outcome elsewhere? A hedge calculator tells you exactly how much to stake there so both outcomes pay out the same, whoever wins.
How the hedge calculator works
Hedging means covering your original stake with a second stake on the opposite outcome, usually at a different bookmaker offering better odds. The goal is for both outcomes to produce the same net result — if your original bet loses, the hedge pays out instead.
Cover stake S2 = (S1 × O1) ÷ O2
S1 is your original stake and O1 the odds you got on it. O2 is the odds currently available on the opposite outcome. The sum 1/O1 + 1/O2 tells you whether an arbitrage exists: below 1, the hedge locks in a guaranteed profit; above 1, it locks in a smaller loss — still sometimes worth it to remove the risk entirely.
Worked example
Say you staked 500 on a team to win at odds of 2.10. Before kick-off you find odds of 2.05 on the opponent at a different bookmaker.
The cover stake is (500 × 2.10) ÷ 2.05 ≈ 512.20. Your total outlay comes to around 1,012.20, while the payout — whoever wins — is 1,050. That locks in a guaranteed profit of about 37.80, an ROI of roughly 3.74%.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hedge bet in sports betting?
A hedge is a bet on the opposite outcome of a wager you've already placed, usually at better odds with a different bookmaker. The goal is to lock in the same result whichever way the event goes, instead of leaving your whole stake at risk.
When does an arbitrage (surebet) exist?
An arbitrage exists when the sum of the inverse odds for both outcomes (1/O1 + 1/O2) is below 1. When that's true, your combined stakes always add up to less than the guaranteed payout, giving you a risk-free profit no matter who wins.
Does a hedge always guarantee a profit?
No. If the odds on the opposite outcome aren't good enough, the hedge instead locks in a smaller, known loss. Many bettors hedge anyway in that situation — for example before a tense final — to remove the uncertainty rather than chase a bigger but unsure win.
