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Kelly Criterion Calculator

Find the mathematically optimal stake for a bet given your edge — with full, half or quarter-Kelly for real-world safety.

Doing this by hand, one bet at a time?
Our API runs this math automatically across 25+ sportsbooks in real time — surfacing +EV bets and arbs the moment they appear. See the free live board, or plug into the API.
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FAQ

What is the Kelly criterion?

A formula for the bet size that maximizes long-run bankroll growth: f = (bp − q) ÷ b, where b = decimal odds − 1, p = win probability, q = 1 − p.

Why use half Kelly?

Full Kelly is the growth-optimal size but swings hard. Half or quarter Kelly keeps most of the growth with far smaller drawdowns — most pros bet fractional Kelly.

What if the result is negative?

A negative Kelly fraction means the bet is −EV at your estimated probability — you shouldn't bet it.

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