This calculator is an educational tool for understanding how to hedge positions on betting exchanges. It does not provide betting advice, tips, or predictions.
Back/Lay Hedge Calculator
Green up a position by placing the opposite bet at new odds.
Hedge trades
When odds move in your favour you can lock in a profit by placing the opposite bet at the new price.
This hedge calculator shows the stake needed on the second bet to level your position so that you end up
with a similar profit whichever way the market settles.
Always gamble responsibly. This calculator is for information only and does not guarantee profit.
Is hedging the same as trading out?
Yes. Hedging or trading out means placing the opposite bet to level your profit across outcomes.
Does the calculator support lay-first positions?
Yes. Select “Lay first → Back to hedge” to calculate the back stake.
Why is commission optional?
Commission varies by exchange. The stake formula is simple; commission is applied to show approximate net results.
When to use a hedge calculator
Hedging — sometimes called "greening up" or "trading out" — is the process of placing an opposing bet to lock in a profit or limit a loss on an existing position. On a betting exchange, if you backed a selection at higher odds and the price has since shortened, you can lay it at the new lower odds to guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome.
This calculator works in both directions. If you backed first and want to lay to lock in profit, enter your back details and the current lay price. If you laid first and want to back to close the position, the calculator handles that too. It shows you the exact hedge stake needed and the guaranteed profit or loss for each outcome.
Detailed worked example
You backed a football team at 4.0 for £25 before kick-off. After an early goal, the price shortens to 1.8. You want to green up and lock in a profit.
Initial position: Back £25 at 4.0 → potential profit if it wins = £75, loss if it loses = −£25.
Hedge lay stake: (£25 × 4.0) / 1.8 = £55.56
If the team wins: Back profit £75 minus lay liability (1.8 − 1) × £55.56 = £44.44 → net profit = £30.56
If the team loses: Back loss −£25 plus lay profit £55.56 × (1 − 0.02 commission) = £54.44 → net profit = £29.44
The slight difference between the two outcomes is caused by exchange commission on the winning side. Either way, you have locked in roughly £30 of guaranteed profit from a price movement, regardless of the final result.
Common mistakes when hedging
Hedging too early: If you believe the price will continue moving in your favour, hedging too early leaves profit on the table. Consider partial hedging instead.
Forgetting commission on both sides: Commission applies to the winning side of each bet. Factor this in or your projected green-up amount will be slightly overstated.
Hedging at a loss and not recognising it: If the price has moved against you, the calculator will show a guaranteed loss. This is still useful — it tells you the cost of exiting a losing position rather than letting it ride.
Mixing up back-first and lay-first modes: The direction of your initial bet determines the hedge calculation. Always select the correct mode in the calculator.
