Calculate costs for quinella, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta box bets
Select bet type and number of horses
4 horses
Bet Type
Exacta
Horses
4
Combinations
12
Per Combo
$2
All bet types at $2 base
| Bet Type | Combinations | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Quinella | 6 | $12 |
| Exacta | 12 | $24 |
| Trifecta | 24 | $48 |
| Superfecta | 24 | $48 |
Quick-start with common scenarios
TL;DR summary
Box bet costs depend on the bet type and number of horses. Quinella box (any order): 3 horses = 3 combos. Exacta box (1st-2nd): 3 horses = 6 combos, 4 horses = 12 combos. Trifecta box (1st-2nd-3rd): 4 horses = 24 combos, 5 horses = 60 combos. Superfecta box (1st-4th): 4 horses = 24 combos, 5 horses = 120 combos. Multiply combinations by base stake for total cost.
Important information
Common box bet questions
Each bet type has a formula based on permutations. Quinella: n(n-1)/2, Exacta: n(n-1), Trifecta: n(n-1)(n-2), Superfecta: n(n-1)(n-2)(n-3). Multiply the result by your base stake.
Superfectas require picking 4 positions, so combinations grow rapidly. 5 horses = 120 combos, 6 horses = 360 combos, 7 horses = 840 combos. Use $0.10 or $0.20 base stakes to manage costs.
A quinella wins if your two horses finish 1st and 2nd in any order. An exacta requires exact order. Quinella has fewer combinations (order does not matter) so costs less but typically pays less.
Key bets reduce cost by fixing one or more horses in specific positions. If you have a strong opinion about the winner, keying that horse on top saves money compared to a full box.
Most US tracks allow $0.50 minimums for exactas/trifectas and $0.10 for superfectas. Some tracks require $1 or $2 minimums. Check your tracks rules before betting.