Hedge Bet Calculator

Enter your original bet odds, original stake, and hedge bet odds to find the exact hedge amount needed to lock in a guaranteed profit. The Hedge Bet Calculator shows your hedge stake, guaranteed profit, total amount wagered, and total payout — so you know precisely how much to place on the opposing outcome before the final result. Also try the calculate Estimated Point Spread, Favorite Win % & Underdog Win % — Moneyline to Spread Converter.

Results

Guaranteed Profit

Hedge Bet Amount

Total Amount Wagered

Total Payout (if Original Wins)

Total Payout (if Hedge Wins)

Return on Investment

What is hedge betting?

Hedge betting means placing a second wager on the opposing outcome of an original bet in order to reduce risk or lock in a guaranteed profit. It is most commonly used when an original longshot or futures bet has moved into a winning position, allowing the bettor to secure some return regardless of the final result. See also our Odds Converter (Decimal/Fractional/American).

When should I hedge a bet?

The best time to hedge is when your original bet has gained significant value — for example, a futures ticket where your team has made the championship. If the guaranteed profit from hedging outweighs the risk of losing everything, hedging makes financial sense. Some bettors also hedge to reduce variance even when it slightly lowers expected value.

How does the Hedge Bet Calculator determine the hedge amount?

The calculator converts your original American odds to a decimal payout, calculates the total return if your original bet wins, then divides that figure by the hedge bet's decimal odds. This produces the exact hedge stake where both outcomes return the same net profit. The guaranteed profit is that equalized return minus your total money wagered.

What is the difference between hedge betting and arbitrage betting?

Arbitrage (or 'arb') betting involves placing proportional bets on all outcomes simultaneously across different sportsbooks to guarantee a profit from the start. Hedging typically refers to placing a follow-up bet after an original wager has already been placed — often because odds have shifted in your favor. Both strategies aim to lock in profit regardless of outcome. You might also find our calculate Fantasy Draft Value Recommended Auction Bid useful.

Can I always guarantee a profit when I hedge?

A guaranteed profit is only possible when the combined implied probability of both bets is less than 100%. If the hedge odds are too short relative to your original bet's payout, you may only be able to minimize losses rather than guarantee a profit. The calculator will show you exactly what outcome to expect.

What are American odds and how do I enter them?

American odds express how much you win relative to a $100 stake. A positive number (e.g. +750) means you profit $750 on a $100 bet. A negative number (e.g. -150) means you must bet $150 to profit $100. Enter the full number including the sign into the calculator fields.

Should I always hedge my futures bets?

Not necessarily. If you placed a futures bet at long odds and your selection is now a heavy favorite, hedging can lock in a solid return. However, if you believe your original pick will win and the guaranteed profit from hedging is small, letting it ride may offer a higher expected payout. It ultimately comes down to your personal risk tolerance.

Does hedging guarantee I keep all my original stake?

No — your original stake has already been placed and is not returned regardless of outcome. Hedging guarantees a net profit on the combined investment (original stake + hedge stake). The calculator accounts for this by showing your total amount wagered versus your total payout on each scenario.