How to Use the Expected Value (EV) Calculator
The Betstamp Expected Value (EV) Calculator helps you measure your edge against the sportsbook. By inputting your stake, odds, and the implied win probability of your bet, the calculator instantly shows whether your wager is profitable in the long run — and by how much.
Quick Start:
Input the wager amount (e.g. 100), odds (e.g. -110), and win probability (e.g. 50%) to quickly determine the expected value and expected ROI on a bet.
Implied win probability can be taken directly from sportsbook odds or estimated using sharp, no-vig “fair” odds. Sharp bettors often rely on the most efficient markets to determine fair value and calculate edge, sometimes using advanced tools like the Kelly Criterion to size their bets accordingly.
Let’s walk through a quick example. Suppose you bet $100 on the Maple Leafs at +120 odds. A sharp sportsbook prices the fair odds closer to +100, suggesting a 50% win probability. Using the calculator, the expected value of your bet comes out to +$10. That means, on average, this bet will earn $10 every time you place it — a profitable (+EV) wager.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is expected value in sports betting?
Expected value (EV) is the average amount a bettor can expect to win or lose on a bet if they placed the same wager repeatedly under identical conditions. It tells you whether a wager is mathematically profitable in the long run.
How do you calculate expected value?
To calculate expected value, you multiply each possible outcome by its probability and add up the results. For a single bet:
EV = (Win Probability x Win Amount) - (Loss Probability x Loss Amount)
For example, if your win probability is 50% (implied by fair odds of +100), and you stand to win $120 on a $100 bet at +120, your EV calculation would look like this:
- Win: 0.5 x $120 = $60
- Loss: 0.5 x $100 = $50
- EV = $60 - $50 = $10
Why does expected value matter?
Expected value highlights whether your bet has an edge over the sportsbook. Consistently betting with positive EV means you’re making profitable decisions over time, rather than relying on luck. It’s the foundation of sharp, disciplined betting and a key concept for anyone serious about long-term success.
Using the EV calculator is one of the smartest ways to bet consistently with an edge. If you’re only placing bets where the EV is positive, you’re stacking the odds in your favor — and that’s how sharps win over time.
With Betstamp PRO—the most advanced top-down betting odds screen in the market. Bettors will find hundreds of daily betting edges with ease, allowing you to scale your profits long-term. Click the banner to book a free demo.
