Betting calculator

Rule 4 Calculator

Use this Rule 4 calculator to estimate how a deduction affects your horse racing winnings, adjusted return and adjusted profit.

Quick explanation: Rule 4 deductions are normally applied to the profit part of a winning bet, not the returned stake.

Enter stake, odds and deduction

The calculator applies the deduction to the winnings and then adds the original stake back to show adjusted return.

Original profit £50.00
Deduction amount £10.00
Adjusted profit £40.00
Adjusted return £50.00

A £10.00 winning bet at odds of 6.00 has £50.00 profit before deduction. A 20p Rule 4 deduction removes £10.00 from the winnings, leaving £40.00 adjusted profit.

What is Rule 4?

Rule 4 is a horse racing deduction applied when a horse is withdrawn after bets have already been placed. The deduction reduces winnings to reflect the changed market after the non-runner is removed.

The deduction is usually expressed as pence in the pound. For example, a 20p Rule 4 deduction means 20% is deducted from the winnings.

Rule 4 formula

Original profit = stake × (decimal odds − 1)

Deduction amount = original profit × deduction percentage

Adjusted profit = original profit − deduction amount

Adjusted return = adjusted profit + stake

Rule 4 example

Suppose you place £10 at decimal odds of 6.00. The original profit would be £50. If a 20p Rule 4 deduction applies, 20% of the profit is deducted.

Calculation Amount
Original profit £50.00
20% deduction £10.00
Adjusted profit £40.00
Adjusted return including stake £50.00
Important: Rule 4 rules and deductions can vary by bookmaker, race timing and terms. Always check the official settlement from your bookmaker.

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