Forecast Odds Calculator
Compute straight forecast (exacta) racing payouts from two horses' prices and stake.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the forecast type — straight (one fixed 1-2 order) or reverse (either order)
- Input the odds of the horse you have nominated for 1st place
- Input the odds of the horse you have nominated for 2nd place
- Input your unit stake
- Read off total stake, combined odds, return and profit
Formula
Combined Odds = Odds₁ × Odds₂
Straight Forecast: 1 bet, total stake = unit stake.
Reverse Forecast: 2 bets (both orders), total stake = 2 × unit stake. Only the correct order wins; payout = unit stake × combined odds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes a forecast bet?
A forecast (termed exacta in the US) predicts which two horses finish 1st and 2nd in a race. A straight forecast demands the exact order; a reverse forecast covers both orders at double the stake.
How does a forecast differ from each-way?
Each-way comprises two independent bets (one to win, one to place) on one horse. A forecast is a single bet defining the relationship between two horses’ finishing positions. Forecasts pay substantially more but win with lower probability.
Straight or reverse forecast — which applies?
Choose straight when you hold a firm view on the winner. Choose reverse when you expect two horses to fill 1st and 2nd but cannot call the order — you double the stake to cover both permutations.
Do forecast odds match the multiplied book odds?
Most UK bookmakers settle on Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) dividends declared by Tote/SP rather than pure multiplied odds. Multiplied odds serve as a useful approximation, but actual payouts can deviate by ±10-20% depending on the field strength formula applied.