Each way calculator
Calculate each-way returns with custom place terms, Rule 4 deductions, and dead heat adjustments. Works with fractional and decimal odds.
Each way = 2 bets, so £10.00 e/w = £20.00 total outlay
Standard UK terms: 1/4 odds for 3 places in handicaps (16+ runners), 1/5 odds for 3 places in non-handicaps.
Total outlay: £20.00 (£10.00 win + £10.00 place)
What is an each way bet?
An each-way bet is two bets in one: a win bet and a place bet. You're backing your selection to win AND to finish in the top positions (places).
If your selection wins, both bets pay out — the win bet at full odds and the place bet at a fraction of the odds. If it places but doesn't win, you lose the win bet but the place bet still pays. If it finishes outside the places, both bets lose.
Because it's two bets, a £10 each way costs £20 total (£10 on win + £10 on place).
UK place terms
Place terms depend on the type of event and number of runners:
Horse racing — non-handicap:
- 2-4 runners: win only (no each way)
- 5-7 runners: 2 places at 1/4 odds
- 8+ runners: 3 places at 1/5 odds
Horse racing — handicap:
- 2-4 runners: win only
- 5-7 runners: 2 places at 1/4 odds
- 8-15 runners: 3 places at 1/4 odds
- 16+ runners: 4 places at 1/4 odds
Golf: typically 5-8 places at 1/4 or 1/5 odds. Football outright: typically 3 places at 1/4 odds. Always check your bookmaker's terms.
What is Rule 4?
Rule 4 (Tattersalls Rule 4(c)) applies in horse racing when a runner is withdrawn after betting opens. Because the remaining horses have better chances, a deduction is applied to winnings.
The deduction is based on the withdrawn horse's odds at the time of withdrawal — the shorter the odds, the bigger the deduction. For example, if a 2/1 shot is withdrawn, a 30p Rule 4 deduction applies, meaning 30p is deducted from every £1 of profit.
How to use the each way calculator
When is each way worth it?
Each way betting makes the most sense at longer odds — typically 4/1 or above. At shorter odds, the place returns are often too small to justify doubling your outlay. At 1/2, for example, the place odds at 1/4 would be 1/8 — a £10 place bet returns just £11.25, barely worth the risk.
The sweet spot is selections priced at 5/1 to 20/1 in fields with generous place terms. A 10/1 shot at 1/4 odds for 4 places gives you decent protection — the place bet alone returns 3.5× your place stake if it finishes in the top 4.
Each way vs win only
Compare both options before betting. At 10/1 each way (3 places, 1/4 odds):
- Win only £20 stake: returns £220 if it wins, £0 if it loses
- Each way £10 (£20 total): returns £135 if it wins, £35 if it places, £0 if it loses
The each-way bet costs the same total outlay but sacrifices potential win returns for place protection. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on how likely you think a place finish is.
Understanding dead heats
A dead heat occurs when two or more runners finish in the same position and can't be separated. Your returns are divided by the number of runners involved. If your horse dead-heats for 1st with one other runner, your win bet pays at half odds (and the place bet pays in full, since both finished in the places). If three runners dead-heat for 2nd and only 3 places are paid, it gets more complex — some place money is paid and some isn't, depending on how many dead-heated runners fit in the remaining places.