How to calculate odds for US sports betting

Understanding how to calculate odds is one of the most important skills for anyone looking to succeed in US sports betting. Whether you’re placing bets on the NFL, NBA, MLB, or other leagues, knowing how to interpret different types of odds can help you make smarter decisions, manage your bankroll more effectively, and spot value bets that others might miss. With the rise of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps, odds are presented in multiple formats—moneyline, point spread, and totals (over/under)—and each requires a slightly different approach to calculate potential winnings. In this guide, we’ll break down each odds format step by step, show you how to calculate profits for favorites and underdogs, and give you practical tips to apply this knowledge across your betting strategy. By the end, you’ll be confident in understanding the numbers behind the bets and making informed choices on every game.

1. Understanding US Sports Betting Odds Formats

In the US, odds are commonly displayed in moneyline format. They can also appear in point spread and betting. Here’s a quick overview:

• Moneyline: Shows how much you need to bet to win $100 or how much you win on a $100 bet. Positive (+) numbers indicate the underdog, negative (-) numbers indicate the favorite.
• Point Spread: Used to even the playing field between teams. You bet on a team to cover the spread, which can be a set number of points.
• Totals / Over-Under: You bet whether the total points scored by both teams will be over or under a set number.

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2. How to calculate moneyline odds

Moneyline odds are the most straightforward. Use these formulas:

For favorites (negative odds)

Formula: Profit = (Bet Amount ÷ |Odds|) × 100

Example: Betting $50 on -150 odds:

Profit = (50 ÷ 150) × 100 = $33.33 profit if your team wins.

For underdogs (positive odds)

Formula: Profit = (Bet Amount × Odds) ÷ 100

Example: Betting $50 on +200 odds:

Profit = (50 × 200) ÷ 100 = $100 profit if your team wins.

3. Calculating point spread bets

Point spread betting focuses on margin of victory:

• If you bet on the favorite, they must win by more than the spread for a payout.
• If you bet on the underdog, they must win outright or lose by less than the spread.

Example: Patriots -7 vs Jets +7. If you bet on Patriots, they need to win by 8 or more. If you bet on Jets, they can lose by 6 or less or win outright.

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4. Calculating totals / over-under bets

For totals bets, you simply decide whether combined team points will be over or under the set number. Payouts are calculated based on standard odds, usually -110, meaning you risk $110 to win $100.

5. Tips for calculating odds effectively

• Always convert odds to implied probability to spot value.
• Use online calculators for quick conversions.
• Track historical results to understand realistic outcomes.

FAQs

Q1: What are the most common US sports betting odds?

Moneyline, point spread, and totals (over-under) are the most widely used odds formats in the US.

Q2: How do I calculate potential profit?

Use the formulas based on moneyline odds: favorites (negative) and underdogs (positive). Online calculators can simplify this process.

Q3: Are point spread bets harder to win?

Point spread bets are different, not necessarily harder. They require predicting the margin of victory rather than just the winner.

Q4: Can I use this method for all US sports?

Yes, these calculations apply to NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and other US sports where moneyline, spreads, or totals are offered.

Q5: How do I find value bets?

Compare implied probability from odds with your own estimated chance of outcome. If your probability is higher, it’s a potential value bet.