How to use the coin flip
- Choose how many flips at once: 1, 10 or 100.
- Press Flip.
- Keep flipping to build a running tally of heads and tails and the current streak. Press Reset tally to start again.
A single flip shows Heads or Tails. Batches show how many of each came up.
What to expect
A fair coin lands on each side half the time, but that does not mean the results alternate. In 100 flips you should expect something like 45 to 55 heads, and runs of five or six of the same side are normal.
| Flips | Typical range of heads (95% of the time or more) |
|---|---|
| 10 | 2 to 8 |
| 100 | 40 to 60 |
| 1,000 | 469 to 531 |
The more you flip, the closer the percentage gets to 50%, even though the difference between heads and tails can grow. That is a feature of random sequences and not a sign that something is "due".
Streaks and the gambler's fallacy
If a coin lands on heads five times in a row, the chance of tails next is still 50%. The coin has no memory. Thinking otherwise is the gambler's fallacy, the same mistake made at roulette tables when people bet on a colour that is "due".
When to use a coin flip
- To settle a tie between two equal options.
- To teach probability, because 10 and 100 flips make the spread visible.
- For a bit of fun, with no money involved.
If you play games with real money, remember that no pattern of past results changes the odds. See beginner's luck and bankroll basics for staying in control.
