Each Way Calculator
Calculate returns for each way bets with flexible place terms. Instantly see win, place, and loss outcomes for all your each way betting scenarios.
Each Way Calculator
Calculate returns for each way bets (win + place)
Your unit stake (total stake will be 2× this amount)
£
The decimal odds for your selection to win
Place Terms
Place odds = 1 + ((win odds - 1) × 1/4) = 2.00
Number of Places Paid
Medium fields (8-15 runners)
Number of runners/selections - get recommendations
Click an example to see how each way betting works in different scenarios. These examples show typical race/event situations.
Mid-Odds Selection
£10 each way at 8.0
Place Terms:
1/4 odds, 3 places
Typical horse race with 12 runners. Balanced risk/reward with good insurance if placing.
Short Odds Pick
£20 each way at 3.5
Place Terms:
1/5 odds, 3 places
Lower odds with worse place terms. Each way less valuable on favourites - consider win-only.
High Odds Outsider
£5 each way at 25.0
Place Terms:
1/4 odds, 4 places
Large field handicap. Each way provides excellent insurance - place very likely, big win potential.
What is Each Way Betting?
Each way betting is a popular form of wager that combines two separate bets: one for your selection to win, and another for it to finish in a designated place (typically 1st, 2nd, or 3rd). This type of bet provides insurance against close finishes where your selection performs well but doesn't win outright.
When you place an each way bet, you're actually making two equal-value bets, meaning your total stake is double your unit stake. For example, "£10 each way" means £10 to win and £10 to place, totaling £20 staked.
Each way betting is particularly popular in horse racing, greyhound racing, and golf tournaments, but can also be used in football for outright markets like tournament winners, top goalscorer, or league winners.
How to Use the Each Way Calculator
Step 1: Enter Your Unit Stake
Input your unit stake amount (e.g., £10). Remember, your total stake will be double this amount because each way means two bets. The calculator will clearly show both the unit stake and total stake.
Step 2: Input Win Odds
Enter the decimal odds offered for your selection to win (e.g., 5.0). These are the standard win odds you see at bookmakers. The calculator will automatically calculate the corresponding place odds based on the place terms.
Step 3: Select Place Terms
Choose the place terms offered by your bookmaker:
- 1/4 odds: Most common - place odds = 1 + ((win odds - 1) × 0.25)
- 1/5 odds: Larger fields - typically 11-15 runners
- 1/6 odds: Very large fields - 16+ runners or handicaps
Step 4: Set Number of Places
Specify how many places are being paid out (1-5). This varies by event:
- 2 places: Small fields (5-7 runners)
- 3 places: Standard races (8-15 runners)
- 4 places: Large fields (16-19 runners)
- 5 places: Major handicaps (20+ runners)
Step 5: Optional Field Size
Enter the number of runners/selections (optional). The calculator will recommend appropriate place terms and number of places based on typical bookmaker rules for that field size.
Step 6: Review Results
The calculator shows three possible outcomes:
- Wins: Your selection wins - both win and place bets succeed
- Places: Your selection places but doesn't win - only place bet succeeds
- Loses: Your selection finishes outside the places - both bets lose
Understanding Place Terms Explained
1/4 Odds Place Terms
The most common place terms, especially for standard horse races with 8-15 runners. Place odds are calculated as: 1 + ((win odds - 1) × 0.25)
Example:
Win odds: 9.0
Place odds: 1 + ((9.0 - 1) × 0.25) = 1 + (8 × 0.25) = 1 + 2 = 3.0
1/5 Odds Place Terms
Common for larger fields or when bookmakers want to reduce risk. Place odds calculated as: 1 + ((win odds - 1) × 0.20)
Example:
Win odds: 11.0
Place odds: 1 + ((11.0 - 1) × 0.20) = 1 + (10 × 0.20) = 1 + 2 = 3.0
Note: 1/5 odds offer worse value than 1/4 odds for the same win odds. Always check the place terms before betting.
1/6 Odds Place Terms
Least favorable place terms, typically only seen in very large handicaps with 20+ runners. Calculated as: 1 + ((win odds - 1) × 0.167)
Example:
Win odds: 13.0
Place odds: 1 + ((13.0 - 1) × 0.167) = 1 + (12 × 0.167) = 1 + 2 = 3.0
Each Way Betting Strategy Tips
1. Best Odds Range for Each Way
Each way betting provides best value at odds between 5.0 and 15.0. Below 5.0, place returns are often too low to justify doubling your stake. Above 15.0, even placing becomes unlikely. The sweet spot is 6.0-10.0 where you have reasonable win chances with good place insurance.
2. Compare Place Terms Between Bookmakers
Different bookmakers offer different place terms for the same event. Always shop around - getting 1/4 odds instead of 1/5 odds can make a significant difference to your returns. Some bookmakers even offer "extra places" promotions (e.g., 4 places instead of 3).
3. Avoid Each Way on Heavy Favourites
Each way betting on selections below 3.0 is rarely profitable. The place returns are minimal (often less than your total stake), so you're better off placing a straight win bet. Use our calculator to check if placing only gives you a small loss - that's a sign to bet win-only.
4. Use for Tournament/Outright Markets
Each way betting isn't just for horse racing. In football, use it for tournament winner markets (World Cup, Champions League), top goalscorer markets, or league winners. These typically offer 2-4 places at 1/4 or 1/5 odds, providing insurance on mid-range selections.
5. Calculate Break-Even Scenarios
For an each way bet to break even if only placing, you need place odds of at least 2.0 (because you're staking 2× your unit). Use our calculator to see if your potential place return covers your total stake. If it doesn't, you need a realistic win chance for the bet to have value.
6. More Places = Better Insurance
Events offering 4 or 5 places (large handicaps, major golf tournaments) provide excellent each way value, especially for selections around 10.0-20.0 odds. Your place chances are significantly higher, making the insurance worthwhile even with 1/5 place terms.
Common Each Way Betting Scenarios
Horse Racing Handicap (16 runners, 1/4 odds, 4 places): Betting £10 each way at 12.0 gives you four chances to get a return. Even 4th place pays out at 3.75 odds, returning £37.50 (£17.50 profit after total £20 stake). A win pays £180 total. Excellent value scenario.
World Cup Winner (1/4 odds, 3 places): Backing England at 6.0 with £20 each way. Total stake £40. If England reach the final (top 2 = place), you get £50 back (£10 profit). If they win, you get £180 total (£140 profit). This hedges against close tournament finishes.
Golf Tournament (1/5 odds, 5 places): £5 each way on a golfer at 30.0 (total £10). Top 5 finish returns £31 (£21 profit). Winning pays £180 total. Even with 1/5 terms, 5 places makes the insurance valuable for outsiders.
Champions League Top Scorer (1/4 odds, 3 places): £10 each way at 8.0 (total £20). Finishing joint 2nd-3rd pays £40 (£20 profit). Winning outright pays £120 total (£100 profit). Good value for picking attackers from strong teams.
Heavy Favourite (1/5 odds, 3 places): £20 each way at 2.5 (total £40). Placing only returns £30 (£10 loss). Winning returns £90 (£50 profit). Better to bet £40 win-only for £60 profit. Each way not recommended for short odds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "each way" mean in betting?
Each way is two bets in one: a win bet and a place bet. If you bet £10 each way, you're actually placing £10 on the selection to win and £10 on it to place (typically finish in the top 2-4 positions), for a total stake of £20. If your selection wins, both bets pay out. If it only places, you get a return from the place bet but lose the win bet.
How are place odds calculated from win odds?
Place odds are calculated using the formula: Place Odds = 1 + ((Win Odds - 1) × Place Terms Fraction). For example, with win odds of 9.0 at 1/4 place terms: 1 + ((9.0 - 1) × 0.25) = 1 + 2 = 3.0. At 1/5 terms, the same 9.0 win odds would give: 1 + ((9.0 - 1) × 0.20) = 1 + 1.6 = 2.6 place odds.
What are the best odds for each way betting?
Each way betting provides best value between 5.0 and 15.0 odds. Below 5.0, place returns are typically too low to justify doubling your stake - you're often better with a straight win bet. Above 15.0, both winning and placing become quite unlikely. The optimal range is 6.0-10.0 where you have reasonable chances of both outcomes with good place insurance.
What does 1/4 odds for 3 places mean?
"1/4 odds for 3 places" means if your selection finishes in the top 3 (1st, 2nd, or 3rd), the place part of your bet pays out at one-quarter of the win odds. For example, with win odds of 8.0, the place odds would be 3.0. This is the most common place terms structure for horse races with 8-15 runners.
Can you win on both parts of an each way bet?
Yes! If your selection wins, both the win bet and the place bet succeed (since 1st place counts as "placing"). You receive the full win odds on your win stake, plus the place odds on your place stake. This is the best possible outcome for an each way bet and provides the maximum return.
Do I get my stake back on an each way bet?
Your stake is included in the returns for any winning or placing bet. If your selection wins, you get back both your win stake (with win odds) and your place stake (with place odds). If it only places, you get back just your place stake (with place odds), but you lose your win stake. If it finishes outside the places, you lose both stakes.
What happens if two horses dead heat for a place?
In a dead heat for a place position, your stake and odds are divided by the number of horses that tied. For example, if two horses dead heat for 3rd place and you backed one of them, you receive half your place stake at full place odds, plus half your place stake returned. Dead heat rules can be complex - check your bookmaker's specific terms.
Is each way betting available for football?
Yes, each way betting is available for football outright markets like tournament winners, league winners, and top goalscorer markets. These typically offer 2-4 places at 1/4 or 1/5 odds. It's not available for individual match betting (match result, goals, etc.) as those don't have place positions.
Can I place each way bets in accumulators?
Most bookmakers don't offer each way accumulators because the complexity of multiple place calculations makes it impractical. However, some bookmakers offer "each way all" or "each way doubles/trebles" where multiple selections are combined with each way terms. These are rare and typically have specific rules - check with your bookmaker.
How do I know if an each way bet is good value?
Use our calculator to check if the place return at least covers your total stake (break-even at 2.0 place odds). Good value each way bets have: (1) Win odds between 6.0-12.0, (2) 1/4 place terms (better than 1/5), (3) At least 3 places paid, (4) Realistic chance of placing (you believe >33% for 3 places). Compare the each way return vs. a straight win bet to see which offers better value for your confidence level.