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Hedge Calculator for betting

Our Hedge Calculator helps you work out how much to bet on the opposite outcome of an existing wager. Enter your original stake and odds, along with the current odds for the opposing outcome, and the calculator does the rest.

Dan Anderson
Written by Dan Anderson
Senior Sports Betting Analyst 2 min read

Hedge calculator

Calculate an opposing cash bet that balances the net result of an existing cash bet across two outcomes.

Hedge calculator

Use +100 or higher, or -100 or lower. Example: -110.

Opposing cash stake
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Total cash staked
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Net if original bet wins
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Net if opposing bet wins
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For two mutually exclusive outcomes that cover every possible result, with identical settlement rules. Both bets use cash; excludes lay bets, commission, draws, pushes, and bonus bets. Opposing stake is rounded to cents, so net results may differ slightly. A hedge may lock in a loss. Figures are rounded estimates.

How to Use Our Hedge Calculator

  1. Choose your odds format

    Select American, decimal or fractional odds

  2. Enter your original bet

    Add the amount you originally wagered and the odds you received.

  3. Enter the opposing odds

    Type the current odds available for the opposite outcome.

  4. Check your results

    See how much to hedge, your total stake and the net result if either bet wins.

ResultWhat it means
Opposing cash stakeHow much you need to wager on the opposite outcome to balance your returns.
Total cash stakedYour original stake plus the additional hedge bet.
Net if original bet winsYour overall profit or loss if your original selection wins.
Net if opposing bet winsYour overall profit or loss if the opposite outcome wins.

What Is Hedging in Sports Betting?

Hedging means placing a second bet on the opposite outcome of an existing wager to reduce your exposure to the final result.

It’s particularly useful when the odds have changed significantly since you placed your original bet. For example, you might have backed an NFL team at attractive odds before the season, only for that team to reach the Super Bowl as a favorite. Rather than risk losing your entire potential profit, you could bet on their opponent to secure a return regardless of who wins.

Note that, hedging doesn’t always guarantee a profit. Depending on the odds, you might instead be locking in a smaller loss.

When Should You Hedge a Bet?

Hedging can make sense when the odds have moved in your favor or when you want to reduce the risk associated with a large potential payout.

  • Futures bets where you’ve backed a team to win the championship, and they’ve reached the final.
  • Parlay where All but one leg of a large parlay have won, and you want to reduce the risk on the final selection.
  • Changing odds where your original bet has become more valuable because the market has moved significantly.

The main trade-off is that hedging usually reduces your maximum potential profit in exchange for a more predictable outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dan Anderson

About the author

Dan Anderson

Senior Sports Betting Analyst

Dan Anderson is a Senior Sports Betting Analyst at Livesportsontv.com, specializing in NFL odds, bankroll management, and sportsbook promotions with over a decade of industry experience.