How to calculate pot odds in Poker
Content by Tools of Poker Methodology and calculation assumptions
What are Pot Odds?
Pot odds express the cost of a call relative to the final pot after that call. They give an equity threshold, not the equity of your hand.
They help you decide whether to continue in a hand based on your equity.
How to Calculate Pot Odds
- 1. Start with the current pot size (before any action).
- 2. Add your opponent’s bet.
- 3. Add your call to get the total pot if you call.
- 4. Divide your call by the total pot.
- 5. Multiply by 100 to get the percentage.
Example
The pot is $100. Your opponent bets $50. You need to call $50.
Total pot if you call = $100 (initial pot) + $50 (opponent bet) + $50 (your call) = $200.
Pot Odds = (50 / 200) × 100 = 25%
Pot Odds Reference Table
| Opponent's bet | Your call | Final pot after your call | Break-even equity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 25 | 150 | 16.7% |
| 50 | 50 | 200 | 25% |
| 100 | 100 | 300 | 33.3% |
| 200 | 200 | 500 | 40% |
Compare equity with this threshold only when a call closes the action and no further betting remains, ignoring rake. Equal equity breaks even; higher equity makes the call profitable under these assumptions. With future betting, pot odds alone do not settle the decision.
Test your understanding of pot odds with our interactive exercises.
Start Pot Odds Exercises