What Is Exposure? Balance vs Available Balance Explained

By MarathaExch.app TeamUpdated 16 October 20266 min read

“Why is my available balance lower than my balance?” It’s one of the most common questions the live desk answers. The answer is exposure — and once you understand it, your account screen makes perfect sense.

Need help right now? Our support team replies 24x7 on WhatsApp.

Exposure in one sentence

Exposure is the maximum amount you could lose across all your open bets right now. The platform holds it from your balance until the markets settle.

How exposure is calculated

Bet	Exposure
Back ₹100 at 2.50	₹100 (your stake)
Lay ₹100 at 2.50	₹150 (your liability)
Lay ₹100 at 6.00	₹500 (your liability)

Balance vs available balance

Example: Balance ₹3,000. You back ₹200 on one market and lay with ₹300 liability on another. Exposure = ₹500. Available balance = ₹2,500.

Exposure in the same market

When you hold several bets in the same market, platforms usually calculate exposure on your worst-case outcome in that market, not the simple sum. That’s why exposure can sometimes be lower than you expect after adding an opposite bet.

When exposure is released

When the market settles — you win (exposure released plus profit) or lose (exposure deducted).
When an unmatched bet is cancelled.
When a bet is voided under the market rules.

Why exposure matters

Exposure is the clearest picture of your risk at any moment. Before placing a new bet, look at your exposure first. If it’s already near your session budget, stop.