Point Spread Explained: How to Read Point Spreads in Sports Betting

Point spread betting is one of the most popular ways to wager on sports in the United States, especially in football and basketball. If you have seen odds boards showing numbers like -7.5 or +3, those are point spreads. Learning how to read point spreads correctly is essential before you place your first bet.

This guide breaks down exactly how point spreads work, what all those numbers mean, and how to understand whether a team covered the spread or not. We will walk through simple examples, explain pushes and hooks, introduce key numbers, and show you how to use a free point spread calculator. By the end, you should feel comfortable reading any spread and making informed decisions. If you choose to bet, understand the risks first and only wager what you can afford to lose.

Quick Definition – What Is a Point Spread?

A point spread is a handicap that sportsbooks use to balance the betting action between a favourite and an underdog. Instead of simply picking which team will win the game outright, you are betting on whether a team will win by more than a certain number of points or lose by fewer than that number.

The favourite has a negative spread (for example, -7.5), meaning they need to win by more than 7.5 points for a bet on them to cash. The underdog has a positive spread (for example, +7.5), meaning they can lose by up to 7 points and a bet on them would still win. If the underdog wins outright, the bet also wins.

Point spreads are most common in the NFL and NBA, but you will also see them in college football, college basketball, and other sports. The principle stays the same no matter which league you are betting on: the spread adjusts the final score to create a more balanced betting market.

Understanding point spreads is the foundation of most sports betting strategies, and once you grasp the basics, you can explore more advanced concepts like point spread betting strategy and key numbers.

How to Read a Point Spread (Step by Step)

Reading a point spread is simple once you know what each part of the line means. Let's break it down step by step using a typical example you might see on a sportsbook odds board.

Step 1 – Identify the Favourite and Underdog

When you look at a game on the odds board, one team will have a negative number next to it, and the other will have a positive number. The team with the negative number is the favourite, and the team with the positive number is the underdog.

Example:

• Team A -7.5
• Team B +7.5

In this case, Team A is the favourite, and Team B is the underdog. The spread is 7.5 points.

Step 2 – Understand What the Number Means

The number tells you how many points are added or subtracted from the final score for betting purposes. If you bet on the favourite, they need to win by more than that number. If you bet on the underdog, they can lose by less than that number or win outright.

Using the example above:

• A bet on Team A (the favourite at -7.5) wins if Team A wins the game by 8 or more points
• A bet on Team B (the underdog at +7.5) wins if Team B loses by 7 or fewer points, or if Team B wins the game

Step 3 – Check the Odds (e.g. -110)

Next to the spread, you will usually see odds expressed in American format, often -110. This tells you how much you need to risk to win a certain amount. At -110, you would typically risk $110 to win $100, or $11 to win $10.

These odds represent the vig or juice that the sportsbook charges. Understanding vig is important because it affects your long-term profitability. We will cover that in more detail later in this guide.

Step 4 – See What Result You Need to Cover the Spread

To cover the spread means your team exceeded the handicap requirement. Here is how different scenarios play out:

If you bet on the favourite (-7.5):

• They win by 8 or more points → You win
• They win by 7 or fewer points → You lose
• They lose the game → You lose

If you bet on the underdog (+7.5):

• They win the game outright → You win
• They lose by 7 or fewer points → You win
• They lose by 8 or more points → You lose

One of the keys to successful spread betting is understanding these outcomes before you place the bet. Use the examples above as a mental checklist every time you read a new line.

Use the Point Spread Calculator (Free Tool)

Before you place any spread bet, it helps to see exactly what you stand to win or lose based on your stake and the odds. A point spread calculator does that work for you instantly.

A good calculator will let you input:

• Your stake (how much you want to risk)
• The spread (for example, -7.5 or +3)
• The odds (for example, -110 or -105)

The calculator will then show you:

• Your potential profit if the bet wins
• Your total return (profit plus your original stake)
• The implied break-even win percentage based on the odds

Try entering different stakes and odds into the calculator above. Notice how changing the odds from -110 to -105 or -115 affects how much you need to risk and what your break-even point becomes. This is critical information when you compare lines across different sportsbooks.

For more detailed examples and strategy on how to use spread calculators effectively, check out our Point Spread Calculator Guide.

How Results Are Graded – Covering the Spread, Pushes and Hooks

Once the game ends, your sportsbook will grade your bet as a win, loss, or push based on the final score and the spread. Understanding how this works prevents confusion and helps you manage expectations.

What Does Covering the Spread Mean?

Covering the spread means your team performed well enough against the handicap for your bet to win. If you bet on a favourite, they must win by more than the spread. If you bet on an underdog, they must either win outright or lose by fewer points than the spread.

The term ATS (against the spread) is commonly used in sports betting discussions and statistics. A team with a strong ATS record covers the spread frequently, which can be useful context when researching bets.

What Is a Push on a Spread Bet?

A push happens when the final score lands exactly on the spread. For example, if the spread is -7 and the favourite wins by exactly 7 points, the bet is graded as a push. In most cases, a push means your stake is returned and there is no win or loss.

Pushes are relatively common on whole-number spreads like -3, -7, or -10. Sportsbooks often try to avoid pushes by using half-point spreads, which is where the hook comes in.

What Is the Hook (.5) – and Why Books Use It

The hook refers to the half-point you often see on spreads, such as -7.5 or +3.5. The hook ensures there is a clear winner and loser on every bet, eliminating the possibility of a push.

Sportsbooks use hooks for two main reasons:

1. To remove push scenarios and guarantee action is settled as a win or loss
2. To charge different prices for crossing key numbers (which we will discuss in the next section)

From a bettor's perspective, the hook is both a feature and a risk management tool. A favourite at -7.5 cannot push, but they also need to win by at least 8 points for you to cash the bet. An underdog at +7.5 can lose by 7 and still win the bet.

Spread	Final Score (Favourite Wins)	Favourite Bet Result	Underdog Bet Result
-7	Favourite wins by 7	Push (stake returned)	Push (stake returned)
-7.5	Favourite wins by 7	Loss	Win
-7.5	Favourite wins by 8	Win	Loss

Key Numbers in Point Spread Betting

Not all spreads are created equal. Certain numbers, especially in NFL betting, appear more frequently as winning margins than others. These are called key numbers, and understanding them can help you make smarter decisions when comparing lines or deciding whether to buy points.

Why 3, 7 and 10 Matter in NFL Spreads

In the NFL, the most common margin of victory is 3 points, followed by 7 and then 10. This makes sense when you think about how football is scored:

• 3 points = field goal
• 7 points = touchdown with extra point
• 10 points = touchdown plus field goal

Because games often end with these margins, spreads that land on or near 3 and 7 carry extra value. A favourite at -2.5 is meaningfully different from one at -3.5, even though the difference is just one point, because crossing through 3 changes how often the bet will win or push.

How the Hook Affects Key Numbers

The hook becomes especially important around key numbers. Consider these examples:

-7 vs -7.5:

• At -7, if the favourite wins by exactly 7, the bet pushes
• At -7.5, if the favourite wins by 7, the bet loses

+3 vs +2.5:

• At +3, if the underdog loses by exactly 3, the bet pushes
• At +2.5, if the underdog loses by 3, the bet loses

Sportsbooks know this, which is why you will often see different odds on -7 compared to -7.5, or on +3 compared to +2.5. Crossing a key number costs extra juice, but it can be worth it in the right situations.

For a deep dive into key numbers and when buying points makes sense, see our Key Numbers in Spread Betting Guide.

How Odds and Payouts Work on Point Spreads

Understanding how odds translate to payouts is essential for any bettor. Point spread bets typically come with odds around -110, but you will also see -105, -115, -120, and occasionally even money (+100) or better.

What Does -110 Mean?

At -110, you are risking $110 to win $100. Put another way, you are risking 1.1 units to win 1 unit. This is the standard vig or juice that sportsbooks charge on most spreads.

Example payout at -110:

• Stake: $110
• Profit if you win: $100
• Total return: $210 (your $110 stake plus $100 profit)

Example with smaller stake:

• Stake: $11
• Profit if you win: $10
• Total return: $21

Break-Even Win Percentage at Different Odds

To break even over the long term, you need to win a certain percentage of your bets based on the odds you are getting. This is called the implied break-even win rate.

Odds	Break-Even Win %
-105	51.2%
-110	52.4%
-115	53.5%
-120	54.5%

This is why line shopping matters. Getting -105 instead of -110 on the same spread lowers the win rate you need to be profitable. Over hundreds of bets, that difference adds up significantly.

For more on comparing spreads to moneylines and finding better value, check out our guide on Moneyline vs Spread.

When to Bet the Spread vs the Moneyline

One of the most common questions new bettors ask is whether to bet the spread or the moneyline. The answer depends on the game, the odds, and your assessment of how the game will play out.

Spread vs Moneyline: Simple Comparison

Point Spread:

• You are betting on margin of victory
• Odds are usually close to even money (around -110)
• Works well for games where the favourite is strong but not overwhelming

Moneyline:

• You are betting on which team wins outright
• Odds vary widely based on how big the favourite is
• Better for heavy favourites (expensive on spread) or underdogs you think can win outright

When the Spread Makes More Sense

The spread is often the better choice when:

• The favourite is moderately strong, and the moneyline price is too high
• You think the favourite will win but are not confident they will cover a large spread
• You like an underdog to stay competitive even if they do not win

When the Moneyline Might Be Better

The moneyline can make more sense when:

• You believe an underdog has a real chance to win outright
• The favourite is so strong that the spread is uncomfortably large
• You want simpler action without worrying about the margin

For a detailed breakdown of when to use each bet type, see our Point Spread vs Moneyline Guide.

Advanced Concepts – Alternate Lines, Teasers, Live Spreads and SGPs (Intro Only)

Once you are comfortable with standard point spreads, you will encounter several variations and advanced bet types that build on the same principles. This section introduces them briefly so you know what they are and where to learn more.

Alternate Point Spreads (Buying and Selling Points)

Most sportsbooks let you adjust the spread up or down in exchange for different odds. For example, instead of betting a favourite at -7.5 (-110), you might be able to buy it down to -6.5 at higher juice (maybe -130) or sell it up to -8.5 at better odds (maybe +100).

Alternate spreads give you more flexibility, but they come with trade-offs. Buying points costs extra juice, and selling points gives you worse odds if you win. Understanding when it is worth crossing a key number is an advanced skill.

For more on alternate spreads and when to use them, see our Alternative Spreads Guide.

Teaser Bets and Key Numbers

A teaser bet lets you adjust the spread on multiple games in your favour (for example, moving a -7 to -1 or a +2.5 to +8.5) in exchange for lower payouts. Teasers are popular in football because of key numbers.

Teasers are an advanced strategy and require understanding of how much value you gain by crossing 3 and 7 compared to the reduced payout. If you want to explore teasers in depth, check out our Teaser Betting Guide and Wong Teaser Strategy.

Live Spreads and Line Movement

Live betting lets you bet on spreads as the game unfolds. Lines move constantly based on scoring events, momentum, injuries, and time remaining. Live spreads can offer value if you can react quickly and assess the game situation better than the market.

Live betting is fast-paced and emotional, so it requires strong discipline and a clear plan before the game starts.

Same Game Parlays (SGPs) and Spread Legs

Same game parlays let you combine multiple bets from the same game, such as a spread, a total, and a player prop. Adding spread legs to SGPs can be profitable if the bets are not heavily correlated, but sportsbooks adjust the pricing to account for correlation.

SGPs are complex and risky. They should be approached carefully and with modest stakes.

Bankroll Management and Betting Responsibly on Spreads

No matter how well you understand spreads, sound bankroll management is what keeps betting sustainable and fun over time.

Basic Bankroll Rules

A simple and effective approach is to risk only a small percentage of your total bankroll on any single bet. Many experienced bettors use 1-2% per bet, and almost no one should go above 5% on a single wager.

Example with a $1,000 bankroll:

• 1% per bet = $10 per wager
• 2% per bet = $20 per wager
• 5% per bet = $50 per wager

Betting within these limits helps you survive losing streaks and keeps your emotions in check. If you find yourself chasing losses or betting more than your limit, that is a sign to take a break.

Setting Limits and Keeping Bets Fun

Most regulated US sportsbooks offer tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit limits
• Loss limits
• Time limits
• Self-exclusion options

Use these tools proactively. Betting should be optional entertainment, not a way to solve financial problems or cope with stress.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available. Reach out to the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit our responsible gambling resources page.

FAQs – Quick Answers to Common Point Spread Questions

What is a point spread in sports betting?

A point spread is a handicap that sportsbooks use to level the betting field between a favourite and an underdog. The favourite must win by more than the spread for a bet on them to win, while the underdog can lose by less than the spread (or win outright) for a bet on them to win.

How do you read a -7.5 point spread?

A -7.5 point spread means the favourite must win by 8 or more points for a bet on them to win. If you bet on the underdog at +7.5, they can lose by up to 7 points and your bet still wins. If the underdog wins the game outright, your bet also wins.

What does it mean to cover the spread?

Covering the spread means your team performed well enough against the handicap for your bet to win. For a favourite, this means winning by more than the spread. For an underdog, this means losing by fewer points than the spread or winning the game.

What happens if the final score lands exactly on the spread?

If the final score lands exactly on the spread (for example, a -7 favourite wins by 7), the bet is graded as a push. Your stake is returned, and there is no win or loss. This only happens on whole-number spreads; half-point spreads (hooks) eliminate pushes.

Why do point spreads often end in .5?

The half-point (called the hook) ensures there is a clear winner and loser on every bet by eliminating the possibility of a push. It also allows sportsbooks to charge different prices for crossing key numbers like 3 and 7 in football.

Do point spreads include overtime?

Yes, in most sports and at most sportsbooks, point spreads include overtime. The final score used for grading your bet includes any points scored in overtime. Always check the specific rules at your sportsbook, as policies can vary.

Is it better to bet the spread or the moneyline?

It depends on the game and your assessment. The spread is often better when the favourite is moderately strong and the moneyline is expensive. The moneyline can be better when you think an underdog has a chance to win outright or when the favourite is so strong that the spread is uncomfortably large.

How much do you win on a point spread bet at -110 odds?

At -110 odds, you risk $110 to win $100 (or $11 to win $10). If your bet wins, you receive your original stake back plus your profit. For example, a $110 bet at -110 returns $210 total ($110 stake + $100 profit).

Next Steps – Learn How to Bet the Spread (and Other Bet Types)

Now that you understand how to read point spreads, you can start exploring more advanced topics:

• Strategy: Learn proven point spread betting strategies in our Point Spread Betting Strategy Guide
• Comparison: Understand when to use spreads vs moneylines with our Moneyline vs Spread Guide
• Calculator: Practice with different stakes and odds using our Point Spread Calculator

If you are ready to start betting, make sure you choose a legal, regulated sportsbook in your state. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and set clear limits before you start. Sports betting is for adults 21+ and should stay fun and optional.