1X2 odds and real chances: reading probability from the numbers

The 1X2 market has three outcomes: home win (1), draw (X) and away win (2). Each decimal price can be converted into an implied probability with a simple formula: 1 divided by the odds.

Quick example

Odds of 2.50 correspond to a 40% probability. The three probabilities of a match usually add up to more than 100% — the excess is the bookmaker’s margin.

Putting it to use on the odds table

Comparing the implied probability with your own feel for the match helps you avoid emotional decisions. It is a reference tool, not a promise of any result.