Decimal odds explained: what 1.80, 2.00 & 3.50 mean
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Decimal odds show the total return for each unit staked if a bet wins. The return includes the original stake. Multiply the stake by the decimal price to calculate it.
Three prices, the same €10 stake
| Decimal odds | Return if it wins | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1.80 | €18 | €8 |
| 2.00 | €20 | €10 |
| 3.50 | €35 | €25 |
For the last row: €10 × 3.50 = €35. Subtract the €10 stake to leave €25 profit. If an ordinary cash bet loses, the loss is the stake, not the potential return.
Why the price is part of the decision
Two prices on the same outcome offer different potential returns. A selection at 2.00 returns more than the identical selection at 1.80 if it wins. It still loses the same stake if it loses.
What the number does not tell you
Odds alone do not tell you the true chance of an outcome, whether a price is available now, or how a retirement will be settled. Confirm the market, line, rules & accepted price.
One quick check
At odds of 2.50, a €4 stake returns €10 if it wins: €6 profit plus the €4 stake. Calling the full €10 “profit” would overstate your profit by €4. The profit is €6; the other €4 is your returned stake.
Sources
Sources checked 2026-09-05. Examples are illustrative unless labelled otherwise.
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