Hedge Calculator

Never let a bad beat ruin a big win. Calculate the optimal hedge stake to lock in a guaranteed profit or limit your exposure on an existing bet.

Wes Frank
Wes FrankFounder, EdgeSlip Analytics
Updated Dec 25, 2025
Fact Checked

Hedge Calculator

Secure Your Winnings

1. Existing Bet

2. Hedge Opportunity

3. Strategy

Locks in the exact same profit (or loss) regardless of which bet wins.

Hedge Analysis

Guaranteed Profit
Place Hedge Bet Of
$180
Total Risk:$280.00
Outcome
ROI
Profit
Original Wins
7.1%
+20.00
Hedge Wins
7.1%
+20.00

Pro Tip: Don't just hedge to reduce risk. Use our Arbitrage Scanner to find spots where you can bet both sides for risk-free profit from the start.

Open Arbitrage Scanner

What is this tool?

Hedging is a risk management strategy where you place a wager on the opposite outcome of your original bet to guarantee a profit regardless of the result. This is commonly used in Futures betting (e.g., you bet the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl at +1000 and they make the final), high-stakes Parlays, or live trading when the odds move significantly in your favor.

How to use it

Enter the 'Original Bet Amount' and the 'Original Odds' you secured. Then, enter the current 'Hedge Odds' available at the sportsbook for the opposing side. The calculator will determine the exact amount to wager (Hedge Stake) to equalize your payout, ensuring you walk away with the same green profit number no matter who wins.

When should you Hedge?

Mathematically, hedging often reduces your Expected Value (EV) because you are paying the sportsbook's vigorish (fee) twice. However, it is a vital tool for variance reduction and bankroll preservation.

The "Life Changing" Win

You hit the first 7 legs of an 8-leg parlay. The potential payout is $10,000. Hedging the last leg guarantees you walk away with $5,000, removing the risk of losing it all on a bad call.

The Futures Market

You bet $100 on a team to win the championship at +2000 odds preseason. They reach the final. You can now bet on the opponent to lock in a $1,000 profit regardless of the game outcome.

The Hedging Formula

The goal of a standard hedge is to make your Net Profit equal for both Outcome A and Outcome B. The formula to find the required hedge stake is:

Hedge Stake = (Potential Win + Original Stake) / Decimal Hedge Odds

For example, if you stand to win $1,000 total (Payout) and the opponent's current odds are +100 (2.0 Decimal):

  • Calculation: $1,000 / 2.0 = $500 Hedge Stake.
  • If your original bet wins, you get $1,000 minus the $500 hedge ($500 Profit).
  • If the hedge wins, you get $1,000 minus your original stake ($500 Profit).

Advanced Strategy: The "Middle"

A "Middle" is the holy grail of sports betting. It occurs when you hedge a bet in a way that allows BOTH bets to win. This usually happens with Point Spreads.

Middle Example

  • Original Bet: Chiefs -7.5 (-110)
  • Line Moves: Chiefs play well, line moves to -10.5.
  • Hedge Bet: Opponent +10.5 (-110)
  • The Result: If the Chiefs win by 8, 9, or 10 points... BOTH BETS WIN.

Hedge vs. Arbitrage

While the math is similar, the intent is different.

  • Arbitrage is placing bets on all outcomes simultaneously to exploit a difference in odds between sportsbooks. It is a risk-free trade executed immediately.
  • Hedging is done sequentially. You place a bet, wait for the market to move in your favor (or the game to progress), and then place a second bet to lock in profit.

Caution: The "Tax" on Hedging

Every time you place a bet, you pay a "vig" (commission) to the sportsbook. When you hedge, you are effectively paying the vig twice.

If you have a +EV bet, hedging it reduces your long-term Expected Value. Professional bettors rarely hedge unless the sum of money is significant enough to affect their life or bankroll management (Risk of Ruin). If the bet size is manageable, it is usually mathematically better to let it ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I hedge my parlay?▼
Mathematically, usually no. Hedging costs value. However, psychologically and financially, it often makes sense. If the payout represents a significant portion of your net worth, hedging guarantees you don't walk away empty-handed. We recommend hedging if the payout exceeds 5% of your total bankroll.
Does hedging guarantee profit?▼
It guarantees a specific result (either a smaller profit or a smaller loss) regardless of the outcome. However, you can only lock in a *profit* if the odds have moved significantly in your favor since your original bet.
What is a 'Partial Hedge'?▼
A partial hedge allows you to secure some profit while still leaving some 'upside' on the original bet. Instead of hedging to make profits equal (e.g. $500 either way), you might hedge enough to just cover your original stake ('Freeroll') or lock in a small win.
Can I hedge on the same sportsbook?▼
You *can*, but it is generally better to use a different sportsbook. This is called 'Line Shopping.' Often, Book A will have your original bet, but Book B will offer better odds for the hedge, saving you money.
What is the difference between 'Equal Profit' and 'Recover Stake' modes?▼
'Equal Profit' calculates a stake that gives you the exact same profit outcome regardless of who wins. 'Recover Stake' calculates the minimum bet needed to simply get your money back if your original bet loses, maximizing your profit if your original bet wins.
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