Roulette Column Bet Calculator: 12 Numbers, One Bet

Column bets cover 12 numbers in a vertical line, paying 2:1 on wins. Our calculator shows the true probability, expected value, and why column betting strategies don't change the fundamental house edge.

What Is a Column Bet?

A column bet covers one of three columns on the roulette layout—12 numbers each. First column: 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34. Second and third columns follow the same pattern. Pays 2:1 when any column number hits.

Quick Answer: Column bet wins 32.43% of the time (European) or 31.58% (American). Pays 2:1. House edge: 2.70% (European) or 5.26% (American). Same edge as all other roulette bets except five-number. Two-column betting (24 numbers) covers 64.86% of wheel but pays only 0.5:1 effective—still loses to house edge.

How to Use Our Calculator

Use the Column Bet Calculator →

Enter bet amounts to see probabilities and expected value.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Select Roulette Type: European or American

2. Enter Column Bet: Amount wagered

3. View Win Probability: 12/37 or 12/38

4. Calculate Expected Value: Per bet average

5. See Payout: 2:1 return on wins

Input Fields Explained

Field	Description	Example
Bet Amount	Wager on column	$10
Roulette Type	European/American	European
Win Probability	Coverage	32.43%
Payout	On win	$20
House Edge	Casino advantage	2.70%
Expected Loss	Per bet average	$0.27

Column Bet Probabilities

European Roulette (37 numbers)

Column coverage: 12 numbers
Total numbers: 37 (1-36 plus 0)
Zero: Not in any column

Win probability: 12/37 = 32.43%
Lose probability: 25/37 = 67.57%
Payout: 2:1

American Roulette (38 numbers)

Column coverage: 12 numbers
Total numbers: 38 (1-36 plus 0 and 00)
Zeros: Not in any column

Win probability: 12/38 = 31.58%
Lose probability: 26/38 = 68.42%
Payout: 2:1

Expected Value Calculation

European Column Bet

$10 bet:

Win: $20 × 32.43% = $6.49
Lose: -$10 × 67.57% = -$6.76

EV = $6.49 - $6.76 = -$0.27
House edge: 2.70%

American Column Bet

$10 bet:

Win: $20 × 31.58% = $6.32
Lose: -$10 × 68.42% = -$6.84

EV = $6.32 - $6.84 = -$0.52
House edge: 5.26%

The Three Columns

First Column (1, 4, 7...)

Numbers: 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34

Color distribution:
Red: 1, 7, 19, 25, 34 (5 numbers)
Black: 4, 10, 13, 16, 22, 28, 31 (7 numbers)

More black numbers than red

Second Column (2, 5, 8...)

Numbers: 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35

Color distribution:
Red: 5, 14, 23, 32 (4 numbers)
Black: 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26, 29, 35 (8 numbers)

Most black-heavy column

Third Column (3, 6, 9...)

Numbers: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36

Color distribution:
Red: 3, 9, 12, 18, 21, 27, 30, 36 (8 numbers)
Black: 6, 15, 24, 33 (4 numbers)

Most red-heavy column

Multi-Column Strategies

Two-Column Betting

Bet: $10 on first column, $10 on second column
Coverage: 24 numbers (64.86% European)

Outcomes:
First column wins: +$20 - $10 = +$10
Second column wins: -$10 + $20 = +$10
Neither wins: -$20

Expected value:
Win $10: 64.86%
Lose $20: 35.14%

EV = ($10 × 64.86%) - ($20 × 35.14%)
EV = $6.49 - $7.03 = -$0.54 per $20 wagered
House edge: Still 2.70%

Column + Color Combinations

Bet: $10 on third column (8 red), $5 on black

Third column has 8 red, 4 black
Black covers: 18 numbers not in column

Outcomes vary but house edge unchanged
Complicated betting ≠ better odds

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Simple Column Session

Strategy: $25 on third column each spin

20 spins (expected):

Wins: ~6-7 times (32.43%)
Losses: ~13-14 times

Expected wagered: $500
Expected loss: $500 × 2.70% = $13.50

Actual results vary widely
But trend toward -2.70%

Example 2: Two-Column Coverage

Strategy: $15 on first column, $15 on second column

Per spin:

Win either: Win $15, lose $15 = $0 net
Win neither: Lose $30

Expected:
64.86% break even
35.14% lose $30

EV = -$30 × 35.14% = -$10.54 per round

But wait: When you win, you actually profit $15
EV = ($15 × 64.86%) - ($30 × 35.14%)
EV = $9.73 - $10.54 = -$0.81 per $30 wagered

House edge: 2.70% (unchanged)

Example 3: Chasing Third Column

Belief: Third column hasn't hit in 10 spins

Reality:

Past results don't affect future
Probability still 32.43%
"Due" thinking is fallacy

Each spin: Independent event
Column will hit 32.43% regardless of history

Example 4: Column vs Dozen Comparison

Column bet: First column, $10 Dozen bet: First 12 (1-12), $10

Analysis:

Both cover 12 numbers
Both pay 2:1
Both have 32.43% probability
Both have 2.70% house edge

Different numbers, identical math
Choose based on preference, not expected value

Column vs Other Bets

Comparison Table (European)

Bet Type	Coverage	Payout	House Edge
Column	12	2:1	2.70%
Dozen	12	2:1	2.70%
Even money	18	1:1	2.70%
Six line	6	5:1	2.70%
Single number	1	35:1	2.70%

All bets have same house edge (except American five-number).

Why Column Betting Appeals

Psychological factors:
- Covers "enough" numbers
- 2:1 feels like good payout
- Visual pattern on layout
- "System" possibilities

Mathematical reality:
- Same edge as any other bet
- Coverage doesn't change EV
- Patterns are coincidence

Common Mistakes

1. Believing in Hot/Cold Columns

Mistake: Bet column that's been hitting Problem: Each spin is independent Fix: Understand randomness

2. Two-Column "Safety"

Mistake: Think covering 24 numbers is safer Problem: Same house edge, different distribution Fix: Recognize coverage ≠ advantage

3. Column/Color Combos for "Edge"

Mistake: Complex bets for mathematical edge Problem: Combinations don't change probability Fix: Accept that edge is fixed

4. Progression Systems

Mistake: Martingale on column losses Problem: Same risks as any progression Fix: Flat betting is safer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is column better than even-money bets?

Different, not better. Column has lower win rate (32% vs 48%) but higher payout (2:1 vs 1:1). Same house edge.

Which column is best?

All equal mathematically. Third column has more red numbers, first/second have more black—but colors don't affect column wins.

Can I bet all three columns?

Yes, but you'd cover all 36 numbers, lose on zero, and have negative expected value. Guaranteed loss structure.

Do column patterns exist?

Only in hindsight. Future spins are random. Any perceived pattern is coincidence, not predictive.

Should I combine columns with other bets?

Doesn't help mathematically. Each bet has its own house edge. Combinations don't reduce overall edge.

Is column betting good for beginners?

As good as any roulette bet. Easy to understand, reasonable win rate, 2:1 payout is exciting without extreme variance.

Pro Tips

• European only: 2.70% beats American 5.26%

• Flat bet: Progressions add risk without reducing edge

• Enjoy randomness: Columns hit randomly, accept it

• Set limits: House edge guarantees long-term loss

• Don't combine for "safety": Math doesn't change

Related Calculators

• Roulette Odds Calculator - All bet types
• Roulette Dozen Bet Calculator - Similar coverage
• Roulette Expected Value Calculator - EV analysis
• House Edge Calculator - Edge comparison
• Gambling Bankroll Calculator - Session sizing

Conclusion

Column bets cover 12 numbers at 2:1 odds—decent coverage with reasonable payout. Our calculator shows the exact probability, expected loss, and why multi-column strategies don't overcome the fundamental 2.70% house edge.

Calculate Column Bet Odds Now →

Columns offer a middle ground between single numbers and even-money bets. Win less often but win more when you do. Our calculator reveals the true mathematics, helping you understand exactly what you're betting on and why the house always has its edge.