Trifecta Calculator

Calculate trifecta bet costs and combinations for box, key, and wheel bets

Formula:Box Cost = n(n-1)(n-2) × Stake

Trifecta Bet Setup

Configure your trifecta wager

$

Select Horses

Add horses to your trifecta

#1
#3
#5
#7

Trifecta Cost

24 combinations

Total Cost
$24
24 × $1

Bet Type

Box

Horses

4

Combinations

24

Per Combo

$1

Combinations

1-3-5
1-3-7
1-5-3
1-5-7
1-7-3
1-7-5
3-1-5
3-1-7
3-5-1
3-5-7
3-7-1
3-7-5
5-1-3
5-1-7
5-3-1
5-3-7
5-7-1
5-7-3
7-1-3
7-1-5
7-3-1
7-3-5
7-5-1
7-5-3

Trifecta Examples

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Quick Answer

TL;DR summary

A trifecta requires picking the first three finishers in exact order. A $1 trifecta box with 4 horses costs $24 (4×3×2=24 combinations). With 5 horses: 5×4×3=60 combinations = $60. With 6 horses: 6×5×4=120 combinations = $120. Box costs grow quickly - consider key bets to reduce cost while covering strong contenders.

Key Facts: Trifecta Bets

Important information

  • Trifecta = Pick 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in exact order
  • Box formula: n × (n-1) × (n-2) combinations
  • 4-horse box = 24 combinations
  • 5-horse box = 60 combinations
  • 6-horse box = 120 combinations
  • Minimum base stake often $0.50 or $1
  • Key bets reduce cost significantly
  • Payoffs typically larger than exactas

Frequently Asked Questions

Common trifecta questions

What is a trifecta bet?

A trifecta requires you to pick the first three finishers in exact order. The first horse wins, second places, third shows. It offers higher payouts than exactas but is harder to hit.

How does a trifecta box work?

A box covers all possible order combinations. For n horses: combinations = n × (n-1) × (n-2). 4 horses = 24 combos, 5 horses = 60 combos, 6 horses = 120 combos. Cost = combinations × base stake.

What is a trifecta key bet?

A key bet designates horses for specific positions. "Key #5 with 1,3,7,9" means #5 must win with any combination of the others in 2nd and 3rd. This reduces cost compared to a full box.

Why do trifecta boxes get expensive quickly?

Trifecta combinations grow by factorial. 4 horses = 24 combos, 5 horses = 60 combos, 6 horses = 120 combos. At $1 base, a 6-horse box costs $120. Consider $0.50 or $0.10 bases for larger boxes.

What are trifecta wheeling strategies?

Wheeling lets you select different horses for each position. A partial wheel like "1,2 with 3,4,5 with ALL" covers strong horses in top spots with the full field in third. This can reduce cost while maintaining value.