Quick Answer: What Are The Most Common Dice Totals?
The most common total on two dice is 7.
Why? Because there are six different ways to roll a 7.
The least common totals are 2 and 12 because there is only one way to roll each.
Everything else falls in between.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
Why Two-Dice Probability Works This Way
Two dice each have 6 sides.
That gives you 36 total combinations (6 × 6).
Even though 36 combinations exist, many totals can be made in multiple ways.
Example:
- You can roll a 7 as 1+6, 2+5, 3+4, 4+3, 5+2, 6+1
That’s 6 combinations.
But you can only roll a 2 as:
- 1+1
That’s 1 combination.
More combinations = higher probability.
Craps Dice Probability Chart (Two Dice Totals)
Here’s the full breakdown:
Total = Combinations = Probability
- 2 = 1 way = 1/36 (2.78%)
- 3 = 2 ways = 2/36 (5.56%)
- 4 = 3 ways = 3/36 (8.33%)
- 5 = 4 ways = 4/36 (11.11%)
- 6 = 5 ways = 5/36 (13.89%)
- 7 = 6 ways = 6/36 (16.67%)
- 8 = 5 ways = 5/36 (13.89%)
- 9 = 4 ways = 4/36 (11.11%)
- 10 = 3 ways = 3/36 (8.33%)
- 11 = 2 ways = 2/36 (5.56%)
- 12 = 1 way = 1/36 (2.78%)
You don’t need to memorize every percent. Just remember the shape:
2–12 is a pyramid, with 7 at the top.
What This Means For Craps (In Plain English)
7 Is The Most “Dangerous” Number In The Point Phase
Once a point is set, a 7 ends the shooter’s turn (seven out).
Since 7 is the most likely total, it’s always the main threat during the point phase.
If you want to know more about the seven out explained cleanly, read What “Seven Out” Means & Why It Ends The Shooter’s Turn.
6 And 8 Hit More Often Than 4 And 10
This is why many players like:
- placing 6 and 8
- building around 6 and 8
- calling them “the best numbers”
It doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed. It just means they appear more often over time.
If you want to know more about the point phase context, read How Point Numbers Work In Craps.
Probability And The Come-Out Roll
On the come-out roll:
- 7 and 11 are instant wins for Pass Line
- 2, 3, 12 are instant losses for Pass Line
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 become the point
Because 7 is the most likely number, it’s not surprising that:
- Pass Line wins a lot on come-out
- but later loses a lot to seven out during the point phase
That “flip” is part of what makes craps feel intense.
Probability And Hard Numbers (Hardways)
Hardways are rolls like:
- hard 4 (2+2)
- hard 6 (3+3)
- hard 8 (4+4)
- hard 10 (5+5)
Here’s the key:
A hard number is just one specific combination.
Example:
- A 6 has 5 combinations total
- But hard 6 is only 3+3 (1 combination)
So hardways are naturally harder to hit than “any 6.”
That’s why hardways bets tend to be riskier over time.
Probability And “Due” Thinking
A common trap is thinking:
- “We haven’t seen a 7 in a while, so it’s due.”
- “Six hasn’t rolled, so it’s coming.”
But each roll is independent. The dice don’t remember.
Probability describes long-run patterns, not short-run guarantees.
If you want to know more about the controversy side, read The Myth Of Controlled Shooting In Craps.
A Practical Way To Use This Without Overthinking
Here’s how probability helps you play smarter:
1) Expect 7 To Show Up Often
Don’t build a plan that assumes 7 is “rare.”
2) Understand Why 6 And 8 Are Popular
They hit more often than 4/10.
3) Don’t Fall For “Big Payout = Good Bet”
Big payouts often exist because the event is rare.
4) Keep Your Session Controlled
Probability doesn’t stop variance. Limits do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Most Likely Number To Roll In Craps?
7 is the most likely total, with 6 combinations out of 36 (16.67%).
What’s The Least Likely Number To Roll?
2 and 12 are least likely, each with 1 combination out of 36 (2.78%).
Why Do 6 And 8 Show Up A Lot?
They each have 5 combinations out of 36, making them among the most common totals.
Does Probability Change Based On The Shooter?
No. The shooter doesn’t change the math. Each roll is independent.
Can I Use This To Predict The Next Roll?
No. Probability helps you understand long-run frequency, not predict a single roll.
Where To Go Next
You now know the probability basics: which totals are most common, why 7 is the biggest threat in the point phase, and why 6 and 8 show up more often than 4 and 10.
Next, we’ll connect this to the real table experience: why the craps betting board looks so complex, and how to simplify it so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Continue with Why Craps Has One Of The Most Complex Betting Boards In The Casino.
