Craps Horn Bet Calculator
Calculate payouts, win probability, and house edge for craps horn bets. Includes horn high variations and the world (whirl) bet.
Formula:
Net Payout = (Payout × Units) - Lost UnitsTotal Bet
$4
4 units
House Edge
12.50%
Win Probability
16.67%
Any horn number
Expected Loss
$1
Per bet
Standard horn or high variation
$
Amount per unit
Payout Breakdown
| Roll | Base Payout | Ways | Net Win |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 (Aces) | 30:1 | 1 | +$27 |
| 3 (Ace-Deuce) | 15:1 | 2 | +$12 |
| 11 (Yo) | 15:1 | 2 | +$12 |
| 12 (Boxcars) | 30:1 | 1 | +$27 |
| Any Other Roll | - | 30 | -$4 |
Horn Bet Layout
21 unit
31 unit
111 unit
121 unit
High House Edge Warning
The horn bet has a 12.50% house edge. Compare this to the Pass Line at 1.41% or Place 6/8 at 1.52%. Horn bets should be considered entertainment, not strategy.
Key Facts
- •Horn bet covers 2, 3, 11, and 12
- •Requires 4 units minimum (1 on each number)
- •Combined house edge: ~12.5%
- •2 and 12 pay 30:1 (true odds 35:1)
- •3 and 11 pay 15:1 (true odds 17:1)
- •World bet adds any 7 for a 5th unit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a horn bet in craps?
A horn bet is a single bet that covers 2, 3, 11, and 12 simultaneously. It requires 4 units (one on each number) and wins if any of these numbers roll. The payout depends on which number hits, minus the losing units.
What is a horn high bet?
A horn high bet is a 5-unit horn where one number gets 2 units instead of 1. "Horn high yo" means 2 units on 11, 1 each on 2, 3, and 12. This increases payout if your high number hits.
What is the World/Whirl bet?
The World bet (or Whirl) is a 5-unit bet: 1 unit each on 2, 3, 7, 11, and 12. If 7 rolls, you break even (push). Any other horn number pays its normal amount minus the 4 losing units.
Why is the horn bet considered bad?
The horn bet combines four high house edge bets into one. Combined house edge is about 12.5%. You are essentially making multiple bad bets at once. Compare to Pass Line at 1.41%.
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).
Total Bet
$4
4 units
House Edge
12.50%
Win Probability
16.67%
Any horn number
Expected Loss
$1
Per bet