How a double is worked out
The whole return from the first selection is carried onto the second. In practice, that means converting both prices to decimal odds and multiplying them together. At 2/1 (3.0 in decimal) and 6/4 (2.5), the combined odds are 7.5, so every £1 staked returns £7.50 if both win.
| Selection | Odds | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2/1 | Won |
| 2 | 6/4 | Won |
| Part of the bet | Stake | Returns |
|---|---|---|
| 1 double | £10.00 | £75.00 |
| Total | £10.00 | £75.00 |
Profit: £65.00
A double or two singles?
Splitting the same £10 into two £5 singles on these selections would return £27.50 if both won, compared with £75 from the double. The trade-off is what happens when one loses. The singles still pay out on the winner, while the double returns nothing. A double suits you when you're confident in both selections and want the bigger combined price.
When one selection is void
If one selection doesn't take part, your double becomes a single on the other one:
| Selection | Odds | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2/1 | Won |
| 2 | 6/4 | Void |
| Part of the bet | Stake | Returns |
|---|---|---|
| 1 double | £10.00 | £30.00 |
| Total | £10.00 | £30.00 |
Profit: £20.00
Each way doubles
An each way double is two doubles for double the stake. The win double needs both selections to win. The place double needs both to finish in the places, and each is settled at its place odds. Turn on each way in the calculator to see both parts.
Common questions
Can both selections in a double be from the same match?
Not in a standard double, because the results are linked. A win for one team makes certain other outcomes in that match more likely, so bookmakers price combinations like that separately as bet builders.
What happens if one selection is a non-runner or the match is postponed?
That selection is void and counts as odds of 1, so the double is settled as a single on the other selection.
What is the difference between a double and a treble?
Only the number of selections. A treble combines three selections instead of two, and all three must win.