The Superfecta is the “Jackpot” wager of modern horse racing. To win, you must correctly select the horses that finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the exact order. The payouts can be life-changing, often reaching into the thousands of dollars for a small wager.
However, hitting a straight Superfecta is extremely difficult. Most bettors use Box bets to cover multiple combinations. Because the math involves four positions, ticket prices can skyrocket quickly. Use our free Superfecta Calculator below to calculate the cost of your ticket—whether you are betting the standard $1 minimum or the popular 10-cent ($0.10) option.
How to Use the Superfecta Calculator
Calculating 4-horse permutations in your head is nearly impossible. This tool does the math for you. Here is how to configure your bet:
- Select Your Strategy:
- Box: Use this if you want to pick a group of horses (e.g., 4 or 5) and win if any order of them finishes in the top four.
- Key Wheel: Use this if you have a strong opinion on the winner (Key horse) but want to spread out your selections for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.
- Select Your Stake (Denomination):
This is the most critical step. Most tracks now offer a $0.10 minimum for Superfectas.
- Select $0.10 for affordable “Jackpot” attempts.
- Select $1.00 for maximum payouts.
- Enter Number of Horses: Input how many horses you are including in your Box or Wheel.
Superfecta Bet Costs & Examples
The difference between a $1 ticket and a $0.10 ticket is massive. Understanding these costs allows you to cover more horses without breaking the bank.
1. The “5-Horse Box” Example
Boxing 5 horses is a very popular strategy because it gives you a safety net if your favorite finishes 4th. There are 120 possible combinations in a 5-horse box.
- At a $1.00 Stake: Cost = $120.00. (Expensive!)
- At a $0.10 Stake: Cost = $12.00. (Very Affordable).
By using the 10-cent option, you can play the exact same strategy for 1/10th of the price.
2. The “Key Wheel” Strategy
If boxing 5 horses for $12 is still too much, or if you are sure Horse #3 will win, use a Key Wheel. You bet #3 to Win, with #1, #2, #4, and #5 in the other spots.
- The Bet: 3 WITH 1,2,4,5 WITH 1,2,4,5 WITH 1,2,4,5.
- Math: 1 × 4 × 3 × 2 = 24 combinations.
- Cost ($0.10 stake): $2.40.
Quick Cost Reference Chart ($0.10 Stake)
- 4-Horse Box: 24 bets = $2.40
- 5-Horse Box: 120 bets = $12.00
- 6-Horse Box: 360 bets = $36.00
- 7-Horse Box: 840 bets = $84.00
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum Superfecta bet?
While rules vary by track, the industry standard in the US is now the $0.10 Superfecta. Some tracks may still require a $1 minimum, but the 10-cent option was introduced specifically to make Superfecta Boxes affordable for casual bettors.
How much does a 10-cent Superfecta Box of 4 horses cost?
A 4-horse Superfecta Box covers every possible order of those 4 horses. It contains 24 combinations. At $0.10 per combination, the total ticket cost is $2.40.
What is the formula for calculating Superfecta Box cost?
The formula is: N × (N-1) × (N-2) × (N-3) × Stake, where N is the number of horses.
For example, with 5 horses: 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 = 120 bets.
Does a 10-cent Superfecta pay the full amount?
No. It pays 10% of the $1 payout displayed on the tote board. For example, if the Superfecta pays $5,000 for a $1 bet, a winning 10-cent ticket would pay $500.