What do 3:2 and 6:5 mean?
A payout ratio states the profit relative to the stake when the specified result wins. Divide the first number by the second: 3 ÷ 2 is 1.5, while 6 ÷ 5 is 1.2. Then multiply that figure by the stake. The second ratio produces less profit for an identical qualifying win, even though its first number is larger.
For an illustrative C$20 stake, the profit is C$30 at 3:2 or C$24 at 6:5. Adding back the stake gives total returns of C$50 and C$44 respectively. The calculation assumes a qualifying natural-blackjack win at the stated payout, with no separate fee deducted.
Profit is different from the total returned
Use two columns when checking a result: profit and total returned including the original stake. For the same C$10 example, 3:2 means C$15 profit and C$25 returned; 6:5 means C$12 profit and C$22 returned. Treating the C$25 total as C$25 profit counts the original stake twice. Check how the game labels its balance and settlement display.
The profit difference is 0.3 times the stake for each qualifying natural win. C$3 is 20% of C$15, so the 6:5 profit is 20% smaller than the 3:2 profit in this comparison. This is not a 20% loss on every hand, a 20-percentage-point change in house edge, or a statement about the game's overall return to player.
| Stake | 3:2 | 6:5 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5.00 | $7.50 | $6.00 | $1.50 |
| $10.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 | $3.00 |
| $20.00 | $30.00 | $24.00 | $6.00 |
Blackjack payout calculator in CAD
ONE WINNING NATURAL-BLACKJACK EXAMPLE
Enter a positive amount with up to two decimal places. The calculation limit is CAD 1,000,000; it is not a table limit. A point or comma can be used as the decimal separator.
PROFIT AND TOTAL RETURNED
- Original stake
- CAD 10.00
- 3:2 — profit
- CAD 15.00
- 3:2 — total including stake
- CAD 25.00
- 6:5 — profit
- CAD 12.00
- 6:5 — total including stake
- CAD 22.00
- Profit difference (3:2 minus 6:5)
- CAD 3.00
Profit = stake × 1.5 at 3:2, or stake × 1.2 at 6:5. Total returned = stake + profit.
This assumes a winning natural blackjack eligible for the displayed ratio. It does not automatically apply to another 21, a push or a side bet. It calculates neither the chance of winning nor a session result.
These examples illustrate the payout calculation. Related reading: withdrawal times.
Does every hand totalling 21 receive that payout?
No. A natural blackjack is an initial ace plus a ten-value card, distinct from other combinations totalling 21. The natural-blackjack payout applies to the qualifying initial hand. A three-card 21 is a different result. Do not apply the ratio simply because the screen displays the number 21.
In standard blackjack, a player and dealer both holding blackjack produce a push: the stake is neither won nor lost. Other ordinary winning hands generally pay even money. For any variant, read its own treatment of ties and split hands before interpreting a result. A list of card totals alone is not a complete settlement rule.
Canadian examples: table rules and game variants
Blackjack tables can use 6:5 or 3:2 payouts. The table's own rules determine which payout applies. Compare the exact game and the payout displayed at its table, since configurations vary across products.
Blackjack includes different game variants and separate side wagers. A familiar blackjack name therefore does not establish that all rules are identical. Keep the main-hand payout and any side-bet paytable in separate notes. A large side-bet prize does not change the meaning of the main game's 3:2 or 6:5 label.
Which other rules belong in the comparison?
Record the exact game, provider, deck configuration and dealer rule for soft 17. An ace counted as eleven plus a six is a soft 17; the table rules determine whether the dealer draws another card. Also read the permitted doubling, splitting and surrender options. A blackjack payout ratio describes only one part of the game.
Deck count and reshuffling frequency depend on the game version. Keep those settings alongside the natural-blackjack payout and dealer rule when comparing tables. Side bets have their own paytable and do not change the main-hand payout.
Hand payouts and overall game results
These calculations explain settlement of a specified winning hand. To estimate an overall expected return, you would need the complete rules, outcome probabilities and an explicitly stated model of player decisions. A short session can differ widely from such an expectation. Neither payout ratio promises income, makes a larger stake safe, or means that continuing to play will recover an earlier loss.
For a Canadian site comparison, bring together the game catalogue, the exact game rules and the account’s withdrawal conditions. Our game and withdrawal guides explain these details, while the CAD examples here show how to calculate a qualifying hand’s payout.
EXPLORE THE NEXT STEP
From the explanation to a practical example
- How to play blackjack: card values, turns and table rules
- Blackjack basic strategy: hard hands, soft hands and pairs
- Online blackjack casinos in Canada: compare tables and payouts
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