Double Bet Calculator - Calculate Returns on 2-Selection Bets

What Is a Double Bet?

A double bet combines two selections into a single wager. Both selections must win for your bet to be successful. The odds of both selections are multiplied together, creating a larger potential return than two separate single bets - but with higher risk since both must win.

Key characteristics:

• 2 selections from different events
• Both must win to get a payout
• Odds are multiplied together
• One losing selection = entire bet loses
• Higher returns than singles, lower than accumulators

Example events for a double:

• Arsenal to win AND Manchester City to win (both must win)
• Horse A to win Race 1 AND Horse B to win Race 2
• Lakers -5.5 AND Celtics -3.5 (both must cover)

How the Double Bet Calculator Works

Enter your two selections and stake, and the calculator instantly shows your potential returns:

The Double Bet Formula

Combined Odds = Odds 1 × Odds 2
Total Payout = Stake × Combined Odds
Profit = Total Payout - Stake

Example: Selection 1 at 2.00 + Selection 2 at 3.00 with $10 stake

• Combined odds = 2.00 × 3.00 = 6.00
• Payout = $10 × 6.00 = $60
• Profit = $60 - $10 = $50

Double Bet Scenarios Explained

Scenario 1: Both Selections Win ✓

Stake: $25 Combined Odds: 1.80 × 2.20 = 3.96 Payout: $25 × 3.96 = $99.00 Profit: $74.00

Scenario 2: One Selection Loses ✗

Stake: $25 Result: Entire bet loses - $0 returned

This is the key risk of doubles: one losing selection means you lose everything.

Scenario 3: One Selection Void (Postponed/Non-runner)

What happens: The void selection is removed, and the double becomes a single bet.

Stake: $25 Effective Odds: 1.80 (only Liverpool) Payout: $25 × 1.80 = $45.00 Profit: $20.00

Why Choose Double Bets?

Advantages

1. Better returns than singles - Multiplied odds mean significantly higher payouts
2. Lower stake required - Get substantial returns from smaller investments
3. Simple to understand - Just two selections to track
4. Flexible combinations - Mix sports, leagues, or bet types

Disadvantages

1. Both must win - One loss kills the entire bet
2. Lower probability - Harder to win than single bets
3. Bookmaker margin compounds - You pay the house edge twice

Double Bet vs Two Singles: The Math

Let’s compare a double versus placing two separate singles with the same total stake:

Selections:

• Team A at 2.00
• Team B at 2.50

Option 1: Double Bet ($20 stake)

• Combined odds: 2.00 × 2.50 = 5.00
• If both win: $100 return ($80 profit)
• If one loses: $0 return ($20 loss)

Option 2: Two Singles ($10 each)

• Team A wins: $20 return ($10 profit)
• Team B wins: $25 return ($15 profit)
• Both win: $45 return ($25 profit)
• One wins, one loses: $22.50 average return ($2.50 profit)

The trade-off: Doubles offer higher potential returns but with more risk. Two singles provide smaller but more consistent returns.

Popular Double Bet Combinations

Football Doubles

Horse Racing Doubles

US Sports Doubles

Rule 4 Deductions in Double Bets

Rule 4 applies in horse racing when a horse is withdrawn after betting opens. If a non-runner affects your double:

How Rule 4 Works with Doubles

Scenario: You have a double on Horse A (3/1) and Horse B (4/1). Horse C withdraws from Horse A’s race at 2/1 odds, triggering a 30% Rule 4.

Calculation:

1. Horse A’s adjusted odds: Profit is reduced by 30%
2. Horse B’s odds: Unaffected
3. Combined payout: Reflects the deduction

Without Rule 4:

• $10 stake × (4.00 × 5.00) = $200

With 30% Rule 4 on Selection 1:

• Selection 1 adjusted: Profit portion (3.00) × 70% = 2.10, total odds = 3.10
• Combined: $10 × (3.10 × 5.00) = $155

Our calculator handles Rule 4 automatically for each selection independently.

Calculating Double Bet Returns: Step by Step

Step 1: Convert Odds to Decimal

If using fractional or American odds, convert to decimal first:

Step 2: Multiply the Odds

Selection 1: 2.50 (decimal) Selection 2: 1.80 (decimal) Combined: 2.50 × 1.80 = 4.50

Step 3: Calculate Returns

Stake: $50 Payout: $50 × 4.50 = $225 Profit: $225 - $50 = $175

When to Use Double Bets

Ideal Situations

1. Two strong selections - When you have genuine confidence in two outcomes
2. Correlated events - When one result increases the likelihood of another
3. Value hunting - Combining two undervalued odds for maximum effect
4. Small bankroll - Getting big returns from limited funds

When to Avoid Doubles

1. Uncertain selections - If you’re not confident in both picks
2. High-risk odds - Combining longshots makes winning very unlikely
3. Building bankroll - Singles offer more consistent growth
4. Professional betting - The compounded margin reduces value

Double Bet Probability Explained

Understanding the math behind doubles helps set realistic expectations:

Even with a 70% win rate on individual selections, you’ll only win about half of your doubles.

Tips for Successful Double Betting

1. Research both selections equally - A double is only as strong as its weakest pick

2. Consider correlation - Some events are naturally correlated (team wins and star player scores)

3. Mix odds wisely - Combining a favorite with an outsider balances risk and reward

4. Set realistic expectations - Doubles lose more often than singles

5. Track your results - Monitor your double bet performance separately

6. Use stake limits - Don’t chase losses with bigger doubles

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if one leg of my double is postponed?

The double becomes a single on the remaining selection. Your stake rides on that outcome at its original odds.

Can I cash out a double bet?

Most bookmakers offer cash out on doubles. The cash out value depends on the status of both selections.

Is a double bet the same as a parlay?

Yes, in US terminology, a double is a 2-leg parlay or a 2-team parlay.

What are the minimum and maximum selections for a double?

A double must have exactly 2 selections. One selection is a single; three or more is an accumulator/treble.

Can I place a double on the same event?

Generally no - you cannot double up on outcomes from the same match (e.g., Team A to win AND Over 2.5 goals in the same game). Some bookmakers offer “same game multis” but with adjusted odds.

Start Calculating Your Double Bets

Use our free double bet calculator above to:

1. Enter odds for both selections (any format)
2. Input your stake amount
3. Apply Rule 4 deductions if needed
4. See your potential payout and profit instantly

The calculator updates in real-time, making it easy to compare different combinations and find the double bet that suits your betting strategy.