Point Spread Calculator

Spread bet payouts

Point spread bets use standard American odds — most sides and totals price at -110. A $110 stake at -110 wins $100 profit if the team covers. Missing the spread loses the full stake.

Negative spread numbers (-3.5) mean the favorite must win by more than that margin. Positive numbers (+3.5) mean the underdog covers by losing within that margin or winning outright.

Break-even win rate and juice

At -110, implied probability is 52.38%. That is the break-even cover rate before accounting for skill — the extra 2.38% above 50% is juice. Reduced juice at -105 lowers break-even to about 51.2%.

Compare your estimated cover probability to break-even to judge whether a spread bet has positive expected value. Remove vig with the No Vig Calculator for cleaner probability comparisons.

Half points and pushes

Half-point spreads (-3.5) eliminate pushes. Whole-number spreads (-3) push when the margin lands exactly on three — stake is refunded. Use the Half Point Calculator to value moving on or off key numbers.

FAQ

What does -3.5 spread mean?

The favorite must win by 4 or more points to cover -3.5. The underdog at +3.5 covers with a win or any loss by 3 or fewer points.

How is spread payout different from moneyline?

Spread bets pay based on covering the handicap, not just winning outright. Odds are usually near -110 both sides rather than varying widely like moneylines.