Craps Odds and Probabilities
In this section we will demonstrate the probabilities of every potential outcome when you roll the dice. As you will see, and if you don't already know, there are 36 possible end results when you roll. Every gambler who attempts to play any dice game should know the probabilities of each result before you start playing. Study and remember the chart below, and it will greatly improve your chances of becoming a more successful craps player. Also, below the chart is a brief explanation of what all these numbers mean. Take a look!
Starting from right to left is the possible outcome (2 to 12), the number of possible combinations which will result in this outcome, and finally the odds of rolling this number.
| Outcome | Combinations of Dice | Odds (%) |
| #2 | 1-1 | 35 to 1 (2.78) |
| #3 | 1-2, 2-1 | 17 to 1 (5.56) |
| #4 | 1-3, 2-2, 3-1 | 11 to 1 (8.83) |
| #5 | 1-4, 2-3, 3-2, 4-1 | 8 to 1 (11.11) |
| #6 | 1-5, 2-4, 3-3, 4-2, 5-1 | 31 to 5 (13.89) |
| #7 | 1-6, 2-5, 3-4, 4-3, 5-2, 6-1 | 5 to 1 (16.67) |
| #8 | 2-6, 3-5, 4-4, 5-3, 6-2 | 31 to 5 (13.89) |
| #9 | 3-6, 4-5, 5-4, 6-3 | 8 to 1 (11.11) |
| #10 | 4-6, 5-5, 6-4 | 11 to 1 (8.83) |
| #11 | 5-6, 6-5 | 17 to 1 (5.56) |
| #12 | 6-6 | 35 to 1 (2.78)6 |
As you can see, the most frequent outcome is 7. Six of every thirty-six outcomes give you 7. Therefore the chances of rolling a seven are 6/36 (5 to 1 or 16.67%). The rarest outcomes are 2 and 12. There is only one possible combination for each of these, i.e. 1+1=2 and 6+6=12. One out of thirty-six potential outcomes means the chances of rolling either of these numbers is 1/36 (35 to 1).
In order to calculate the odds of winning the come-out roll we must consider the chances of rolling either a 7 or an 11. The number of potential combinations for this are 6 and 2. This means that your chances of rolling either a 7 or an 11 are 8/36.
Naturally you will wonder at the chances of losing the come-out roll. Well, if we add the chances of rolling a 2 (1/36), a 3 (2/36), or a 12 (1/36), we have a 4/36 (1 + 2 + 1 = 4) chance of losing. Therefore the chances of winning the come-out roll are exactly double that of losing it.
In total, the chances of either winning or losing the pass-line bet are 12/36 (8/36 + 4/36). As a percentage, this is exactly one-third (33.33...%). As the game continues, the odds change considerably.
There you have it - some basic numbers to consider when playing craps. Always keep these percentages in mind. In order to help you become a better player and make the correct decisions, it's a good idea to have a look at our Craps Strategy page. Happy gaming!
