Use the British Racecourses Double Bet Calculator to work out the potential return and profit from two selections combined into one bet.
Enter the odds for both selections, choose your stake and the calculator will work out the result. You can use fractional or decimal odds and calculate win or each-way doubles.
The calculator also supports horse racing settlement factors including non-runners, Rule 4 deductions and dead heats.
Use the double bet calculator:
How to Use the Free Double Bet Calculator
Here is the step-by-step guide on how to use our double bet calculator:
- Select “Double” on the ‘Bet Type’ dropdown
- The ‘Number of Selections’ should default to 2 selections
- Select the ‘Outcome’ for each of your selections – this will be ‘Winner’, ‘Placed’, ‘Dead Heat’, ‘Void’, or ‘Non-runner’.
- Select the ‘Odds’ for each selection, for example, ‘9/1’ and ‘7/1.’ You can also choose your preferred odds format, such as decimal odds or fractional odds.
- Select the ‘Stake’ wagered per bet, for example, “£10”, “£20”, “£50”
- The calculator will then work out your total outlay, total return and total profit
What Is a Double Bet?
A double combines two selections into one multiple bet.
Both selections must normally win for a standard win double to succeed.
Suppose you back:
Horse A at 2/1
Horse B at 3/1
In decimal odds these prices are:
3.00
and:
4.00
Multiply the two prices:
3.00 × 4.00 = 12.00
A £10 winning double therefore returns:
£10 × 12.00 = £120
The £120 includes the original £10 stake.
Your profit is:
£110
If either selection loses, the standard double loses.
How Does a Double Bet Work?
A double effectively combines the returns from two selections.
You can think of the return from the first selection being carried forward onto the second selection.
For example, start with:
£10 at 2/1
A successful £10 single at 2/1 returns:
£30
That £30 then effectively goes onto the second selection at 3/1.
A £30 bet at 3/1 returns:
£120
The final return is therefore the same as calculating the combined decimal odds:
3.00 × 4.00 = 12.00
£10 × 12.00 = £120
The calculator performs this automatically.
How Do You Calculate a Double Bet?
The easiest manual method is to convert both prices to decimal odds and multiply them together.
The formula is:
Decimal odds of Selection 1 × Decimal odds of Selection 2 × Stake = Total return
Suppose the selections are:
5/2
and:
4/1
5/2 odds convert to:
3.50
4/1 odds convert to:
5.00
The combined decimal price is:
3.50 × 5.00 = 17.50
A £10 double therefore has a potential return of:
£175
The profit is:
£165
Our fractional-to-decimal odds converter provides a complete conversion table for other prices.
Double Bet Calculator Example
Suppose you want to combine two horses priced at:
7/2
and:
10/1
7/2 odds are equivalent to decimal odds of:
4.50
10/1 odds are:
11.00
Multiply the prices:
4.50 × 11.00 = 49.50
A £5 double has a potential total return of:
£5 × 49.50 = £247.50
The profit is:
£242.50
Both selections must win for the standard win double to produce that return.
Fractional Odds Double Calculator
Fractional odds remain common in British horse racing.
The calculator allows both selections to be entered using fractional prices, so there is no need to convert them manually.
For example:
Selection 1: 1/1
Selection 2: 4/1
1/1 odds are decimal 2.00.
4/1 is decimal 5.00.
The combined decimal price is:
2.00 × 5.00 = 10.00
A £20 winning double therefore returns:
£200
including the £20 stake.
Our main betting odds guide explains how fractional odds, decimal odds and implied probability work.
Decimal Odds Double Calculator
Decimal odds make the calculation particularly straightforward because the returned stake is already incorporated into the price.
Suppose the selections are:
3.50
and:
6.00
The combined price is:
3.50 × 6.00 = 21.00
A £10 stake gives a potential return of:
£210
The potential profit is:
£200
You can enter those decimal prices directly into the calculator.
Double Bet Return Versus Profit
Return and profit are different figures.
Return includes the original stake returned from the successful double.
Profit is the amount won above the original stake.
For example:
Stake: £20
Combined decimal odds: 10.00
The total return is:
£20 × 10.00 = £200
The profit is:
£200 – £20 = £180
This distinction matters when comparing bets because a £200 return does not mean you have made £200 profit.
What Happens If One Selection Loses?
A standard double requires both selections to win.
If the first selection wins and the second loses, the double loses.
If the first selection loses, the standard double is already unsuccessful regardless of the second result.
This differs from placing the same two selections as separate singles.
With two singles, one winning selection can produce a return even when the other loses.
With a double, both results are combined into one wager.
Double Bet Versus Two Singles
A double and two singles can contain exactly the same selections but create different betting outcomes.
Suppose you have two horses:
Horse A at 2/1
Horse B at 3/1
If you place them as a double, both must win for the bet to return.
If you place them as separate singles, each wager is settled independently.
Horse A could win and Horse B lose, leaving you with a return from Horse A.
The double instead links the two results.
The potential return from the successful double is larger relative to the same single unit stake because the two prices are multiplied together.
That does not mean a double automatically offers better value. The quality of the available price on each selection still matters.
Our horse racing bet types guide explains how singles, doubles and larger multiple bets differ.
What Is an Each-Way Double?
An each-way double contains two separate doubles:
A win double
A place double
A £10 each-way double therefore costs:
£20
The £10 win double requires both horses to win.
The £10 place double requires both horses to satisfy the relevant place terms.
This creates a different settlement from a standard win double and makes the calculation more complicated.
The place terms for each horse can also differ.
Our each-way betting guide explains how the win and place components work.
How to Calculate an Each-Way Double
Consider two horses backed in an each-way double.
Suppose the selections are:
Horse A: 5/1
Horse B: 10/1
Assume both races pay one-fifth of the win odds for a qualifying place.
The place price for Horse A becomes:
1/1
The place price for Horse B becomes:
2/1
In decimal terms:
2.00 × 3.00 = 6.00
If the place component has a £5 stake and both horses satisfy the applicable place terms, that component returns:
£5 × 6.00 = £30
The win component is calculated separately using the full win odds.
If both horses win, both the win and place components can succeed.
If both horses place without both winning, the win double loses but the place double can still produce a return.
Use the calculator to account for the correct place terms rather than assuming every each-way race pays the same fraction or number of places.
Our each-way value guide explains why the place fraction, number of places and horse’s price all matter.
What Happens If One Horse Wins and the Other Places?
For a standard win double, the bet loses because both horses were required to win.
For an each-way double, the outcome is different.
Suppose:
Horse A wins
Horse B finishes in a qualifying place without winning
The win double loses because Horse B did not win.
The place double can still succeed because both horses satisfied the place conditions.
A winning horse also satisfies the place component of an each-way bet.
The final return depends on the place odds and stake.
What Happens If One Horse Is a Non-Runner?
A non-runner does not necessarily make the complete double lose.
For many conventional race-day doubles, a selection declared void is removed from the multiple.
The remaining selection can then effectively continue as a single.
Suppose you have:
Horse A at 3/1
Horse B: Non-runner
If Horse B is treated as void under the relevant rules, the double can effectively become a single on Horse A.
The exact settlement depends on the terms applying to the wager.
Ante-post bets can operate differently unless specific Non-Runner No Bet terms apply.
Always check how the actual wager has been settled before entering the final result.
How Does Rule 4 Affect a Double?
A Rule 4 deduction can apply when a horse is withdrawn after a fixed-price horse racing bet has been placed.
If a Rule 4 deduction applies to one of the selections in a double, it can change the return from the complete multiple.
The deduction reflects the relevant price of the withdrawn horse under the applicable rules.
A shorter-priced withdrawal can result in a larger deduction than a long-priced withdrawal.
Use the Rule 4 option in the calculator when checking a settled double.
Our Rule 4 deductions guide and calculator explains the deduction bands and calculation in more detail.
What Happens If One Selection Is a Dead Heat?
A dead heat occurs when two or more horses cannot be separated for the relevant finishing position.
If one selection in your double is involved in a dead heat, the dead-heat settlement affects the amount carried through that leg of the multiple.
For a two-horse dead heat for first place, the relevant stake on that selection is normally divided for settlement purposes.
This makes the final double return more complicated than simply calculating the original two prices.
Enter the dead-heat information into the calculator rather than attempting to adjust the combined odds manually.
Best Odds Guaranteed and Double Bets
Best Odds Guaranteed can affect the price used to settle qualifying horse racing selections in a double.
Suppose you take 5/1 about a horse and it wins at a Starting Price of 8/1.
If the selection and wager qualify for BOG under the bookmaker’s current terms, the larger qualifying price can affect the final double return.
BOG terms differ between bookmakers and can contain restrictions on qualifying races, bet types and times.
Our Best Odds Guaranteed guide explains the feature in more detail.
When checking the final return, enter the price actually used for settlement.
Double Bet Versus Treble
A double contains two selections.
A treble contains three.
For a conventional win bet:
Double: Both selections must win
Treble: All three selections must win
Adding the third selection increases the combined potential return because another price is multiplied into the wager.
It also adds another required winning outcome.
Suppose three horses are each priced at decimal odds of 3.00.
A double using two of them has combined odds of:
3.00 × 3.00 = 9.00
A treble using all three has combined odds of:
3.00 × 3.00 × 3.00 = 27.00
The treble produces the larger potential return, but all three horses need to win.
Use the Treble Bet Calculator when combining three selections.
Double Bet Versus Accumulator
A double combines two selections.
Accumulator is commonly used for a multiple containing several selections.
The same calculation principle applies: multiply the prices of the required selections together.
As more legs are added, the potential return can rise rapidly.
The number of required successful outcomes also rises.
This is why a larger displayed payout should not be treated as evidence that the wager offers better value.
Use our Accumulator Bet Calculator for larger multiples.
Double Bet Versus Double Stakes About
A Double Stakes About bet also uses two selections, but it is not the same as a conventional double.
A normal double is one multiple requiring both selections to win.
Double Stakes About uses a different structure involving two selections and additional staking relationships between them.
This means the total outlay and potential settlement differ from a straightforward double.
Use the Double Stakes About Bet Calculator when that is the wager shown on your bet slip.
Are Double Bets Good Value?
A double is not automatically good or poor value simply because it combines two selections.
Value depends on the prices available compared with your assessment of the selections’ chances.
Suppose you believe a horse has a 25% chance of winning.
That corresponds to theoretical fair odds of:
4.00 decimal
or:
3/1 fractional
If the available price is shorter than your fair price, combining it with another selection does not remove that disadvantage.
The same applies to the second leg.
Our guide to finding value bets explains why the relationship between price and probability matters.
Double Bets and Implied Probability
You can use the combined decimal price to see the raw implied probability represented by a double’s odds.
Suppose the combined decimal price is:
10.00
The raw implied probability is:
1 ÷ 10 × 100 = 10%
At combined decimal odds of 20.00:
1 ÷ 20 × 100 = 5%
This calculation describes the probability implied by the quoted price.
It should not automatically be treated as the true probability of both selections winning.
Bookmaker odds contain margin, while your assessment of each selection may differ from the market price.
Our bookmaker overround guide explains how bookmaker margins affect betting markets.
Why Comparing Prices Matters on a Double
Small differences in the price of either selection affect the final double return.
Suppose one horse is available at:
5/1
rather than:
4/1
and the second horse is:
3/1
Using the 4/1 price creates combined decimal odds of:
5.00 × 4.00 = 20.00
Using the 5/1 price creates:
6.00 × 4.00 = 24.00
A £10 stake therefore changes from:
£200 return
to:
£240 return
The selections and stake have not changed. The difference comes from obtaining a bigger price on one leg.
Our Best Horse Racing Betting Sites comparison looks at bookmakers specifically from a horse racing perspective, including factors beyond headline offers.
Can You Place Doubles Across Different Races?
Yes.
The two selections in a horse racing double do not normally need to run in consecutive races or at the same racecourse.
A bettor could combine selections from two different meetings.
The settlement principle remains the same: both required selections need to win for a standard win double to succeed.
The races simply provide the two separate legs of the wager.
Can a Double Include Different Sports?
Bookmakers can allow selections from different sports to be combined where the markets are eligible for multiples.
For example, a double could combine a horse racing selection with a football selection.
The same basic calculation applies.
Both required outcomes need to succeed, and their prices are multiplied to create the combined odds.
The additional settlement information on this page focuses primarily on horse racing because factors such as each-way terms, Rule 4 and non-runners are particularly relevant to racing doubles.
Do Doubles Pay More Than Singles?
This question needs to distinguish the bet structure and total stake.
A double combines two prices, so the potential return on one unit of stake is higher than backing either selection alone at the same unit stake.
But comparing a £10 double with two £10 singles is not a like-for-like comparison of total outlay.
The double costs:
£10
Two £10 singles cost:
£20
The doubles structure also requires both selections to win before the standard bet returns.
A larger potential payout does not by itself make the double a better bet.
Can a Bet Calculator Tell Me Whether to Place the Double?
No.
The calculator performs the arithmetic.
It tells you the potential return, profit and settlement based on the information entered.
It cannot decide whether the two selections are good bets.
For horse racing, that requires analysis of factors such as form, class, distance, going, pace, handicap mark and the available odds.
Our horse racing form guide explains how to assess previous performances, while How to Analyse a Horse Race Like a Professional covers the wider race-analysis process.
The calculator comes after that assessment. It tells you what the chosen prices and stake would return.
Common Double Bet Calculator Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing total return with profit.
A £10 double returning £100 has produced £90 profit because the £100 includes the original £10 stake.
Another mistake is entering the wrong odds format. Check whether the prices are fractional or decimal before calculating.
With an each-way double, remember that the quoted stake applies to both components. A £10 each-way double costs £20.
Use the correct place terms for each selection rather than assuming every race pays the same fraction or number of places.
If a horse is withdrawn, check whether the leg is void and whether a Rule 4 deduction applies elsewhere.
For settled bets, enter the price actually used for settlement rather than an earlier price you considered but did not take.
Double Bet Calculator FAQs
What is a double bet?
A double combines two selections into one multiple bet. Both selections must normally win for a standard win double to succeed.
How do I calculate a double bet?
Convert both prices to decimal odds, multiply them together and then multiply the result by your stake.
For example, decimal odds of 3.00 and 4.00 create combined odds of 12.00. A £10 winning double returns £120.
How many selections are in a double?
Two.
Do both selections have to win in a double?
Yes, for a conventional win double. If either selection loses, the standard double loses.
Can I place an each-way double?
Yes. An each-way double contains a win double and a place double.
How much does a £10 each-way double cost?
£20. There is a £10 win double and a £10 place double.
What happens if one horse wins and the other places?
A standard win double loses.
With an each-way double, the win component loses but the place component can still return if both horses satisfy the applicable place terms.
What happens if one selection is a non-runner?
Where the selection is treated as void, a conventional double can effectively continue as a single on the remaining selection. Settlement rules can differ, particularly for ante-post bets.
Can Rule 4 affect a double?
Yes. A Rule 4 deduction applying to an eligible horse racing selection can alter the eventual return from the double.
What happens if one horse dead heats?
The relevant leg is settled according to dead-heat rules, which can reduce the amount carried through the multiple. Enter the dead-heat information into the calculator to check the adjusted return.
Can Best Odds Guaranteed apply to a double?
BOG can affect qualifying horse racing selections within eligible multiples, subject to the bookmaker’s terms.
Can I calculate fractional odds?
Yes. Select fractional odds and enter both prices.
Can I calculate decimal odds?
Yes. Select decimal odds and enter both prices directly.
Is a double the same as an accumulator?
Both are multiple bets. A double specifically contains two selections, while accumulator is generally used for a multiple containing several selections.
Is a double the same as two singles?
No. Two singles are settled independently. A standard double combines the two selections and normally requires both to win.
Is a double the same as Double Stakes About?
No. Double Stakes About is a different two-selection bet structure. Use the dedicated calculator if that is the wager you placed.
Are double bets worth it?
There is no universal answer. A double can produce a larger potential return than either individual selection because the two prices are combined, but both outcomes must succeed. The value of the bet depends on the individual prices and probabilities rather than the fact that it is a double.
Can I use the calculator after the races?
Yes. Enter the actual outcomes, settlement odds and any relevant Rule 4 or dead-heat information to check the expected return.
Why is my bookmaker’s return different from the calculator?
Check the odds, stake, each-way terms, non-runners, Rule 4 deductions, dead heats and BOG settlement entered.
Bookmaker-specific promotional terms can also affect the result. The bookmaker’s official settlement remains the final account transaction.
Responsible Betting
A double combines two outcomes into one wager.
The larger combined price does not make either selection more likely to win.
Check the complete stake and the prices available before placing the bet, and avoid increasing stakes simply to recover previous losses.
Summary
The British Racecourses Double Bet Calculator works out the potential return and profit from two selections combined into one bet.
Enter the odds for both selections, choose fractional or decimal format and add your stake. The calculator can also account for horse racing settlement factors including each-way terms, non-runners, Rule 4 deductions and dead heats.
Both selections normally need to win for a standard win double to succeed.
A double can produce a larger potential payout than either selection individually because the two prices are multiplied together. That does not automatically make it better value.
Use the calculator for the arithmetic, our betting odds guide to understand the prices and the horse racing bet types guide to compare doubles with singles, trebles and other multiple bets.
