Total Goals Under 4 — What Does It Mean?
Lina Almans
18 April 2024
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Total goals under 4 is a wager where you’re betting on a match to finish with fewer than 4 goals – irrespective of which team scores them or when they’re scored. As long as the total goal count doesn’t hit 4, you’re on the winning side.
But what if the game has exactly 4 goals? Well, in that case, you don’t win or lose. You get your money back.

How to Calculate Total Goals Under 4
Wager | Scenario | Example | Outcome |
Under 4 | Less than 4 goals | 0:0, 1:1, 1:0, 0:1, 2:1, 1:2, 3:0, 0:3 | Win |
Under 4 | Exactly 4 goals | 2:2, 3:1, 4:0 | Refund |
Under 4 | More than 4 goals | 3:2, 4:1 | Lose |
For instance, if you bet $120 on Total Goals Under 4 with betting odds of 2.5 for a match that ends 2:1, your payout and profit would be:
- Payout = $120 × 2.5 = $300
- Profit = $300 − $120 = $180
If the game ended with exactly 4 goals, you’d get a refund. More than 4 goals, and the bet is lost.
Markets to Bet on with Total Goals Under 4
In reality, finding any markets for this bet are so rare that it’s no wonder you haven’t come across one yet. Thinking of placing a player-specific total? Well, finding such an offer is like finding a four-leaf clover – it’s that rare.
This bet, when available, is most commonly found for the full duration of the match.
Using Total Goals Under 4 with Parlay (Acca)
Parlays are bets that combine multiple events (2 or more) in one bet slip. The total odds are calculated by multiplying the individual odds of each event.
But what if you add Total Under 4 Goals to your parlay? This can make your parlay more attractive and safer. Why? Because it has a refund option. If the game has exactly 4 goals, you don’t lose your bet. You get your money back. And in a parlay, a refund is treated as a win with odds of 1.

Here are the possible outcomes for a parlay with Under 4 Goals:
- Lose It All: If any game in your parlay ends with more than 4 goals, the entire parlay is lost.
- Get a Refund: If a game ends with exactly 4 goals, that leg of the parlay is considered a push. Your total parlay odds are recalculated by removing the odds of the pushed leg.
Your parlay is recalculated with the new odds. If your original odds were: 2.8 x 1.4 x 2.2 = 8.62. And the 3rd event was a push, your new odds are: 2.8 x 1.4 x 1 = 3.92.
- Win Big: If the game has less than 4 goals, your bet wins. And so does your parlay, if all the other events also win.
For example, if you had a parlay with odds of 8.68, and you bet $80, your payout is: $80 × 8.68 = $694.
Maximizing Wins with Total Goals Under 4
Spotting Low-Scoring, Tight-Defending Clubs.
In the realm of under 4 goals betting, teams like Brighton and Crystal Palace, known for their defensive strength and mid-table stability, can be your secret allies. With a draw rate of 32% and 29% respectively in the 2023/24 season, these teams often secure points while keeping the goal count low, making them prime candidates for your betting strategy.
Scouting for Defense-Heavy Leagues.
Some leagues are known for their defensive resilience and lower goal averages. For instance, in the 2024 season, Argentina’s Primera B Nacional averaged 1.78 goals per match, while China League One averaged just 1.46. These leagues could be fertile ground for under 4 goals bets.
Avoiding Relegation Dogfights.
Matches involving teams embroiled in relegation battles can be unpredictable, often leading to unexpected goal tallies. It’s wise to sidestep these high-stakes games when placing under 4 goals wagers.
Useful articles about Total Goals Over/Under: