How Do Odds Work?

When using our 49’s lotto odds comparison table we display all of the odds as fractional odds. Fractional odds are the most commonly used odds format in the UK.

How Do Fractional Odds Work?

You may have seen fractional odds such as 2/1, 5/1, 11/2 or 8/3. This may look a bit like a GCSE maths question but they’re actually fairly easy to calculate. All you need to do is divide the number before the / by the number after the / and multiply it by your stake. For example, the odds above with a £1 stake would generate the following:

• 2/1 → 2 ÷ 1 = 2. 2 x £1 = £2 winnings
• 5/1 → 5 ÷ 1 = 5. 5 x £1 = £5 winnings
• 11/2 → 11 ÷ 2 = 5.5. 5.5 x £1 = £5.5 winnings

Winnings and Returns

In the example above, we have only included winnings. Or in other words, the amount of profit made. When you get paid by the bookmaker you also get your stake back. So, it would actually be more like this:

• 2/1 → 2 ÷ 1 = 2. 2 x £1 = £2 winnings + £1 stake returned
• 5/1 → 5 ÷ 1 = 5. 5 x £1 = £5 winnings + £1 stake returned
• 11/2 → 11 ÷ 2 = 5.5. 5.5 x £1 = £5.5 winnings + £1 stake returned

EVS

It can confuse users when they see EVS. This is short for Evens, or, in fractions 1/1. Let’s look at how this would work.

• EVS (1/1) → 1 ÷ 1 = 1 x £1 = £1 winnings + £1 stake returned

How Do Decimal Odds Work?

Some people prefer decimal odds to fractional odds, even though traditionally most UK bookmakers display odds as fractional.

When Decimal odds are multiplied by the stake that will show you the winnings and returns.

Fractional odds can be converted to Decimal odds quite easily.

For example, below are the same examples of Fractional Odds converted to decimals and showing the Total Returns

• 2/1 Fractional Odds = 3 Decimal Odds → 2 ÷ 1 = 2 | 2 + 1 = 3 | 3 x £1 = £3 Total Returns
• 5/1 Fractional Odds = 6 Decimal Odds → 5 ÷ 1 = 5 | 5 + 1 = 6 | 6 x £1 = £6 Total Returns
• 11/2 Fractional Odds = 6.5 Decimal Odds → 11 ÷ 2 = 5.5 | 5.5 + 1 = 6.5 | 6.5 x £1 = £6.50 Total Returns
• 11/2 Fractional Odds = 6.5 Decimal Odds → 11 ÷ 2 = 5.5 | 5.5 + 1 = 6.5 | 6.5 x £1 = £6.50 Total Returns
• Evens 1/1 Fractional Odds = 2 Decimal Odds → 1 ÷ 1 = 1 | 1 + 1 = 2 | 2 x £1 = £2 Total Returns

If you prefer decimal odds for lottery betting we would recommend you use our lotto betting calculator.

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* Odds Disclaimer: The displayed odds are intended as a guide only and whilst we work hard to ensure they're up to date, they are subject to change from the operators. Odds correct as of 09/12/2025. Please always check odds on the betting operator site before placing any bets. #Ad. Find out more on our How Our Site Works page.