Use this explanation with the NBA odds and implied probability guide. The examples below are educational, use decimal notation and separate market data from editorial interpretation.
Decimal odds examples
Illustrative calculations for total return and raw implied probability.
| Decimal price | Total return on 100 units | Raw implied probability |
|---|---|---|
| 1.50 | 150 units | 66.7% |
| 1.80 | 180 units | 55.6% |
| 2.00 | 200 units | 50.0% |
| 2.50 | 250 units | 40.0% |
Decimal odds show total return
At 1.80, a 100-unit stake produces an illustrative total return of 180 units when successful. That figure contains the original 100-unit stake, so the illustrative profit is 80 units. Keeping return and profit separate prevents a common reading error.
Convert price into raw probability
The basic conversion is one divided by the decimal price. A price of 2.00 converts to 50%, while 1.50 converts to about 66.7%. The result is market-implied probability before removing the margin across all listed outcomes.
Use the exact market and line
A decimal number has meaning only when attached to a selection. Team 1.90 on the moneyline is not the same as Team −2.5 at 1.90. Record the market, line, format and timestamp with every price.
- Total return = stake × decimal price
- Illustrative profit = total return − stake
- Raw probability = 1 ÷ decimal price
- Margin-adjusted probability needs all outcomes
Common questions
Does decimal 2.00 mean double the profit?
It means the total return is twice the stake when successful. Because that return includes the original stake, the profit itself equals one additional stake.
Are lower decimal odds more likely?
They imply a higher raw market probability, but the price includes margin and does not guarantee the outcome.
Method: educational analysis reviewed against our data methodology and editorial policy. Illustrative prices are not current markets or recommendations.
