Does commission change the liability?

No. Commission affects your profit when the selection loses, but the liability when it wins stays the same.

Can I use this calculator for any exchange?

Yes. Enter decimal odds and your commission rate for Betfair, Matchbook, Smarkets or any exchange using decimal pricing.

Lay Liability Calculator

Q: What is lay liability?

Lay liability is the amount you could lose if the selection you lay ends up winning. It is calculated as (lay odds − 1) × lay stake.

Check your downside before you lay a selection. This calculator shows the exact liability at your odds and stake, plus the net profit if the selection loses.

Estimate risk on a single lay bet in seconds.
Compare liability vs. potential return after commission.
Confirm if the exposure fits your bankroll plan.

Lay liability Fix-a-Bet Hedge EV Dutching Kelly Matched betting Acca Odds converter Beginner guide Guides & Resources Downloads

Lay Liability Calculator

See exactly how much you stand to lose when laying a selection.

Lay side · Betfair / exchange

Laying a selection means you win if it loses, but your liability can be many times your stake. Use this calculator before you place a lay bet so you know exactly how much is at risk if the favourite or runner you oppose goes on to win.

How it works

How the calculation works

Core formula: Liability = (Lay Odds − 1) × Lay Stake

Worked example: Lay stake £10 at odds 4.5 with 2% commission.

Liability = (4.5 − 1) × £10 = £35.00.
Win profit (if selection loses) = £10 × (1 − 0.02) = £9.80.

Always gamble responsibly. This calculator is for information only and does not guarantee profit.

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FAQs

What is lay liability?

It is the amount you stand to lose if the selection you lay wins the event.

Does commission reduce liability?

No. Commission is only applied to profits on winning outcomes, so liability stays the same.

What odds format should I use?

Enter decimal odds. Most exchanges quote decimal by default, and the calculator assumes that format.