How to Read Over/Under Odds: Complete Guide to Totals Betting Odds
Reading over/under odds is simpler than most bettors think. Once you understand American odds format, calculating payouts and recognizing value becomes straightforward.
This guide explains how to read totals odds, what -110 and +105 mean, how to calculate payouts manually, and how to use implied probability to find value. Whether you're betting NFL game totals, NBA pace plays, or MLB park factors, this page gives you the foundation you need.
Last updated: January 2025
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How Over/Under Odds Are Displayed
Over/under odds in US sportsbooks use American odds format.
Standard Totals Odds Format
Here's what you'll see on a typical sportsbook:
Example:
- Over 47.5 (-110)
- Under 47.5 (-110)
What this means:
- 47.5 = the total line (combined score prediction)
- -110 = the odds (how much you must risk to win)
Breaking Down the Numbers
The line (47.5):
- This is the sportsbook's prediction of the combined score
- You're betting whether the actual total will be over or under this number
- Half-point lines (.5) prevent pushes (ties)
The odds (-110):
- This tells you how much you risk vs how much you win
- Negative odds (-110): Risk $110 to win $100
- Positive odds (+105): Risk $100 to win $105
Most totals are priced at -110 on both sides, but odds can vary based on betting action and sportsbook pricing.
What Does -110 Mean on Over/Under Bets?
-110 is the standard price for most totals bets in US sportsbooks.
Understanding Negative Odds
Negative American odds tell you how much you must risk to win $100.
Formula:
- Risk amount = Odds number
- Win amount = $100
Examples:
- -110: Risk $110 to win $100 (total payout: $210)
- -105: Risk $105 to win $100 (total payout: $205)
- -120: Risk $120 to win $100 (total payout: $220)
Calculating Your Payout at -110
For any stake at -110:
Formula: Profit = Stake ÷ 1.10
Examples:
| Stake | Profit at -110 | Total Payout |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $9.09 | $19.09 |
| $50 | $45.45 | $95.45 |
| $100 | $90.91 | $190.91 |
Why -110 is standard:
- The sportsbook takes a small commission (called vig or juice)
- You're not getting even money (1:1)—you're risking $11 to win $10
How to Read Positive Odds on Totals
Sometimes totals are priced with positive odds (+105, +110, etc.). This means the sportsbook thinks that side is less likely to hit.
Understanding Positive Odds
Positive American odds tell you how much you win if you risk $100.
Formula:
- Risk amount = $100
- Win amount = Odds number
Examples:
- +105: Risk $100 to win $105 (total payout: $205)
- +110: Risk $100 to win $110 (total payout: $210)
- +120: Risk $100 to win $120 (total payout: $220)
Calculating Your Payout at +105
For any stake at +105:
Formula: Profit = Stake × 1.05
Examples:
| Stake | Profit at +105 | Total Payout |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $10.50 | $20.50 |
| $50 | $52.50 | $102.50 |
| $100 | $105.00 | $205.00 |
When you'll see positive odds:
- When the sportsbook wants to encourage betting on one side
- When sharp money has pushed the line and the odds adjust
- When line shopping across books (one book might offer +105, another -110)
How to Calculate Over/Under Payouts Manually
You don't need a calculator—here's the manual math.
Formula for Negative Odds
Profit = Stake ÷ (Odds ÷ 100)
Example: $50 at -110
- Profit = 50 ÷ (110 ÷ 100)
- Profit = 50 ÷ 1.10
- Profit = $45.45
- Total payout = $50 + $45.45 = $95.45
Example: $75 at -115
- Profit = 75 ÷ (115 ÷ 100)
- Profit = 75 ÷ 1.15
- Profit = $65.22
- Total payout = $75 + $65.22 = $140.22
Formula for Positive Odds
Profit = Stake × (Odds ÷ 100)
Example: $50 at +110
- Profit = 50 × (110 ÷ 100)
- Profit = 50 × 1.10
- Profit = $55
- Total payout = $50 + $55 = $105
Example: $40 at +105
- Profit = 40 × (105 ÷ 100)
- Profit = 40 × 1.05
- Profit = $42
- Total payout = $40 + $42 = $82
Or use our calculator: Over/Under Calculator
What Is Implied Probability on Totals?
Implied probability is what the odds say about the likelihood of the bet winning.
Why Implied Probability Matters
If you can estimate the true probability of a bet winning, you can compare it to the implied probability from the odds.
- True probability > Implied probability: You have an edge (+EV bet)
- True probability < Implied probability: You don't have an edge (-EV bet)
How to Calculate Implied Probability
For negative odds:
Formula: Implied Probability = |Odds| ÷ (|Odds| + 100)
Example at -110:
- Implied Probability = 110 ÷ (110 + 100)
- Implied Probability = 110 ÷ 210
- Implied Probability = 0.524 = 52.4%
For positive odds:
Formula: Implied Probability = 100 ÷ (Odds + 100)
Example at +110:
- Implied Probability = 100 ÷ (110 + 100)
- Implied Probability = 100 ÷ 210
- Implied Probability = 0.476 = 47.6%
Implied Probability Chart
| Odds | Implied Probability | Break-Even Win Rate |
|---|---|---|
| -120 | 54.5% | 54.5% |
| -115 | 53.5% | 53.5% |
| -110 | 52.4% | 52.4% |
| -105 | 51.2% | 51.2% |
| +100 | 50.0% | 50.0% |
| +105 | 48.8% | 48.8% |
| +110 | 47.6% | 47.6% |
Takeaway: At -110, you need to win 52.4% of your bets to break even long-term.
Understanding Vig (Juice) on Totals Bets
Vig (or juice) is the sportsbook's built-in commission. It's why you risk $110 to win $100 instead of getting even money.
How Vig Works on Totals
When both sides are -110:
- Over 47.5 (-110) = 52.4% implied probability
- Under 47.5 (-110) = 52.4% implied probability
- Total: 104.8%
In a fair market, the two sides would add up to exactly 100%. The extra 4.8% is the vig.
Why Vig Matters
Higher vig = worse for you.
| Odds | Vig Percentage | Break-Even Win Rate |
|---|---|---|
| -105 / -105 | ~2.4% | 51.2% |
| -110 / -110 | ~4.8% | 52.4% |
| -115 / -115 | ~7% | 53.5% |
Example:
- Book A offers Over 47.5 (-105)
- Book B offers Over 47.5 (-115)
If you bet $100 on 100 identical bets and win 52% of the time:
- Book A (-105): Net profit ≈ $90
- Book B (-115): Net loss ≈ -$70
Over hundreds of bets, lower vig saves you thousands of dollars.
How to Reduce Vig
Line shop across multiple sportsbooks:
- Have accounts at 3-5 legal books
- Always check for the best price before betting
- Getting -105 instead of -115 matters more than you think
For more on line shopping, see our Over Under Betting Strategy Guide.
How Totals Odds Move and What It Means
Totals lines and odds shift based on betting action, injuries, weather, and other factors.
Why Lines Move
Reasons totals move:
- Betting action: If 80% of bets are on the over, the book might raise the total or adjust odds
- Sharp money: Professional bettors betting large amounts move lines quickly
- Injuries: Star QB or scorer out → total drops
- Weather: Wind/rain forecast → total drops (NFL)
Example:
- Opening line: Over/Under 47.5 (-110 / -110)
- 2 hours before game: Over/Under 49.5 (-115 / -105)
What happened:
- Public money hammered the over
- Sportsbook raised the total to 49.5 and adjusted odds to encourage under bets
How to Use Line Movement
Track opening vs closing lines:
- If you bet Over 47.5 and the line closes at 49.5, you "beat the close" by 2 points
- Consistently beating the closing line is a strong indicator of long-term profitability
Fade the public when appropriate:
- If public money pushes a total from 47.5 to 50 but you project 46, the under at 50 might be +EV
Decimal and Fractional Odds (Quick Reference)
Most US sportsbooks use American odds, but you might see decimal or fractional odds on international sites.
Decimal Odds
How they work:
- Your total payout per $1 wagered
- Profit = (Decimal Odds × Stake) - Stake
Examples:
- Decimal 1.91 = American -110
- Decimal 2.05 = American +105
Conversion:
- American -110 → Decimal 1.91
- American +110 → Decimal 2.10
Fractional Odds
How they work:
- Profit per $1 wagered (excluding stake)
Examples:
- Fractional 10/11 = American -110
- Fractional 21/20 = American +105
Conversion:
- American -110 → Fractional 10/11
- American +110 → Fractional 11/10
For US bettors, American odds are standard, but knowing the other formats helps when using international books or comparison tools.
Common Questions About Reading Totals Odds
Why is it always -110 on both sides?
-110 on both sides is the standard because it gives the sportsbook a balanced market with built-in vig.
If the over and under both get equal action at -110, the book profits from the vig regardless of the outcome.
When betting action is unbalanced, odds shift (e.g., Over -115 / Under -105) to encourage bets on the less popular side.
What does "push" mean in totals betting?
A push occurs when the final total lands exactly on the line.
Example:
- Line: 44.0
- Final score: 27-17 (44 total)
- Result: Push—your stake is refunded
Most sportsbooks use half-point lines (44.5, 47.5) to avoid pushes.
How do I know if I'm getting a good price?
Line shop across multiple sportsbooks.
Example:
- Book A: Over 47.5 (-110)
- Book B: Over 47.5 (-105)
- Book C: Over 47 (-110)
Best option depends on your projection:
- If you expect 50+ points, Book C (-110 at 47) is best
- If you expect 48 points, Book B (-105 at 47.5) offers lower vig
Always check 3-5 books before placing a bet.
Summary
Reading over/under odds is straightforward once you understand American odds format:
- Negative odds (-110): Risk that amount to win $100
- Positive odds (+105): Risk $100 to win that amount
Calculate implied probability to compare the market's expectation vs your projection. Lower vig (-105 vs -115) saves you money long-term. Always line shop to find the best price.
Next steps:
- Use the Over/Under Calculator to check payouts and EV instantly
- Read the Over Under Betting Complete Guide for strategy and fundamentals
- Compare Over Under vs Spread to decide which bet type fits your analysis
Gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call +1-800-GAMBLER.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. OddsIndex does not provide gambling, financial, or legal advice. Always gamble responsibly and within your means. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
