What Are Pot Odds in Poker? Equity, Outs and the Maths Explained
Pot odds compare the price of a call with the size of the pot. They answer one question: is calling worth it in the long run? Here is what pot odds in poker mean, how to calculate them and how they connect to equity and outs.
How to calculate pot odds
Divide the amount you must call by the total pot after you call.
Example: the pot holds 90 chips, including your opponent’s bet of 30. To call, you put in 30. The equity you need is 30 ÷ (90 + 30) = 25%. If your hand wins more than 25% of the time, calling is profitable in the long run.
Pot odds as a ratio
In the same example you risk 30 to win 90, which is 3 to 1 (3:1). A 3:1 price equals 25%, because 1 ÷ (3 + 1) = 0.25.
Equity vs win percentage
Win percentage counts only the times you win outright. Equity also counts split pots as a share, so it is the better measure of what your hand is worth. The Texas Hold’em odds calculator shows both.
Outs: a quick estimate
An out is a card that turns your hand into a likely winner. Use the rule of 2 and 4: multiply your outs by 4 on the flop (two cards to come) or by 2 on the turn (one card to come). A flush draw has 9 outs, so it is about 36% on the flop and 18% on the turn. The exact numbers are 35% and 19.6%.
With a flush draw on the flop and a call that needs 25%, your 35% equity is higher than the price, so calling is profitable on the numbers.
Limits of pot odds
Pot odds ignore future bets and the way your opponent plays. Equity against a random hand can also be too optimistic against a player who bets big. Use pot odds as a guide, not a law.
Try it yourself
Enter the pot and the amount to call in the pot odds helper of our odds calculator, then test your decisions at the free poker table against bots. New to the game? Start with how to play Texas Hold’em.
FAQ
What are pot odds in poker? Pot odds compare the cost of a call with the size of the pot, so you know how much equity you need to call.
How do I calculate pot odds? Divide the amount to call by the pot plus the call. For example, calling 30 into a pot of 90 needs 30 ÷ 120 = 25%.
What is the difference between pot odds and equity? Pot odds are the price of the call. Equity is your share of the pot. Call when your equity is higher than the price.
