Hedge Calculator Calculator
How To Use This Calculator
Lock in guaranteed profit on an existing bet by hedging the opposite side. Enter your original bet details and the hedge odds to see exactly how much to stake and your guaranteed return.
Input the stake and odds of the bet you already placed and want to hedge.
Enter the current odds available for the opposite outcome you want to hedge with.
Bet the exact hedge stake shown to lock in guaranteed profit regardless of the outcome.
What is Hedge Betting?
Hedge betting is placing a second bet on the opposite outcome of an existing wager to guarantee a profit or minimize a potential loss. It is commonly used when your original bet has gained value.
For example, if you bet on a team to win a championship at long odds before the season and they make it to the finals, hedging lets you lock in profit no matter who wins the final game.
Hedge Stake = (Stake x Orig Odds) / Hedge OddsHedge Scenarios Reference ($100 Original Stake)
Common hedge scenarios showing how different original and hedge odds affect your guaranteed profit.
| Original Odds | Hedge Odds | Hedge Stake | If Original Wins | Guaranteed Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| +200 (3.00) | -150 (1.67) | $179.64 | $20.36 | $20.36 |
| +300 (4.00) | -110 (1.91) | $209.42 | $90.58 | $90.58 |
| +500 (6.00) | -200 (1.50) | $400.00 | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| +1000 (11.00) | -150 (1.67) | $658.68 | $241.32 | $241.32 |
| +150 (2.50) | -120 (1.83) | $136.61 | $13.39 | $13.39 |
Step-by-Step Example
You bet $100 on Team A at +200 (3.00) before the season. Team A is now in the finals. You can hedge by betting on Team B at -150 (1.67).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hedging before your original bet has gained significant value means locking in a smaller profit. Wait until odds have shifted meaningfully in your favor before hedging. The more value your original bet gains, the more profit you can lock in.
The sportsbook margin (vig) on the hedge side eats into your guaranteed profit. Shop around for the best hedge odds across multiple books. Even a small improvement in hedge odds can significantly increase your locked-in profit.
Do not hedge just because you are nervous. Run the numbers first. Sometimes the expected value of letting a bet ride is higher than the guaranteed profit from hedging. Only hedge when the math supports it.
Hedging with the wrong stake means unequal payouts across outcomes. Always use a calculator to get the precise hedge stake. Even small errors can turn a guaranteed profit into a guaranteed loss on one side.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I hedge a bet?
Hedge when your original bet has gained significant value and the guaranteed profit from hedging is meaningful. Common scenarios include futures bets where your team reaches the championship, parlays where all but the last leg have won, and live bets where odds have shifted dramatically in your favor.
Does hedging always guarantee profit?
Hedging guarantees a fixed outcome, but not always a profit. If the hedge odds are poor relative to your original bet, the guaranteed amount may be a small loss — though still smaller than losing the original bet outright. The calculator shows exactly what your guaranteed return will be.
Can I hedge a parlay?
Yes. If all legs of your parlay have won except the last one, enter your original parlay stake and total parlay odds as the original bet, then enter the opposing odds for the final leg as the hedge odds. The calculator will show the exact hedge stake to guarantee profit.
What is the difference between hedging and arbitrage?
Arbitrage involves placing bets on all outcomes simultaneously to exploit odds discrepancies for guaranteed profit. Hedging is placing a second bet after an existing bet to lock in value that has accumulated. Arbitrage is proactive; hedging is reactive.
Should I hedge or let my bet ride?
It depends on your risk tolerance and the expected value. If the guaranteed profit from hedging is close to the expected value of letting the bet ride, hedging eliminates variance at a small EV cost. If the EV of riding is much higher, consider letting it play out — or hedge a partial amount.
Can I partially hedge a bet?
Yes. Instead of using the full hedge stake shown by the calculator, you can bet a smaller amount on the hedge side. This means unequal payouts: more profit if the original wins, less (or a small loss) if the hedge wins. Partial hedging lets you lock in some value while keeping upside.
Is hedge betting legal?
Yes, hedge betting is completely legal. You are simply placing bets at one or more sportsbooks. There are no rules against betting both sides of an event across different books. Some books may limit accounts that exclusively hedge, but the practice itself is fully legal.
Pro Tip: Shop Hedge Odds Across Books
The hedge side odds directly determine your guaranteed profit. Even moving from -150 to -140 on the hedge side can add meaningful dollars to your locked-in return. Always compare odds across multiple sportsbooks before placing your hedge. Use our Arbitrage Calculator to find the best available odds across books.