Point Spread Calculator: Odds & Payout Guide (2026)
Point Spread Calculator: Master Against the Spread Betting
Point spread betting levels the playing field between favorites and underdogs. Our calculator shows payouts, break-even rates, and helps you understand when buying points makes mathematical sense.
What Is a Point Spread?
A point spread is a handicap applied to a favorite to create a more even betting market. Favorites must win by more than the spread; underdogs can lose by less than the spread and still "cover."
Quick Answer: Point spreads use a standard -110 vig (bet $110 to win $100). The favorite must win by more than the spread to cover; the underdog covers if they win outright or lose by less than the spread. A "push" (exact spread margin) returns your bet. Break-even win rate at -110 is 52.38%.
How to Use Our Point Spread Calculator
Use the Point Spread Calculator →
Enter spread and odds to see payouts and break-even rates.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Enter the Spread: e.g., -7.5 or +3
-
Enter the Odds: Usually -110 both sides
-
Input Bet Amount: Your wager
-
View Potential Payout: If your side covers
-
See Break-Even %: Required win rate
Input Fields Explained
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Point handicap | -7.5 |
| Odds | Juice/vig | -110 |
| Bet Amount | Your wager | $100 |
| Potential Payout | Total return | $190.91 |
| Profit | Win amount | $90.91 |
| Break-Even | Required win % | 52.38% |
Understanding Point Spreads
Reading the Spread
| Team | Spread | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Chiefs | -7.5 | Must win by 8+ |
| Raiders | +7.5 | Can lose by 7 or less |
| Lakers | -3 | Must win by 4+ |
| Celtics | +3 | Can lose by 2 or less |
Cover vs Not Cover
Chiefs -7.5 vs Raiders:
| Final Score | Spread Result |
|---|---|
| Chiefs 28, Raiders 14 | Chiefs cover (-7.5) |
| Chiefs 24, Raiders 20 | Raiders cover (+7.5) |
| Chiefs 21, Raiders 14 | Chiefs -7.5 loses (won by 7, needed 8) |
Push Scenarios
With whole-number spreads, exact margins push:
Lakers -3:
- Lakers win by 4+: Lakers cover
- Lakers win by 1-2: Celtics +3 covers
- Lakers win by exactly 3: PUSH (bets returned)
Half-point spreads eliminate pushes.
Standard Spread Betting Odds
Typical -110 Both Sides
| Side | Odds | Break-Even |
|---|---|---|
| Favorite | -110 | 52.38% |
| Underdog | -110 | 52.38% |
Why -110?
The difference from -100 (even money) is the vig:
- True 50/50 should pay +100
- -110 means you risk $110 to win $100
- Vig is ~4.54% per side
Adjusted Lines
When action is lopsided, books adjust odds:
| Scenario | Favorite | Underdog |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced | -110 | -110 |
| Favorite heavy | -115 | -105 |
| Underdog heavy | -105 | -115 |
Point Spread Calculations
Payout Formula
Profit = Bet × (100 / |Odds|) [for negative odds]
Profit = Bet × (Odds / 100) [for positive odds]
Examples
$100 at -110: Profit = $100 × (100/110) = $90.91 Total return = $190.91
$100 at -105: Profit = $100 × (100/105) = $95.24 Total return = $195.24
Break-Even Win Rate
Break-Even % = |Odds| / (|Odds| + 100)
| Odds | Break-Even |
|---|---|
| -110 | 52.38% |
| -115 | 53.49% |
| -120 | 54.55% |
| -105 | 51.22% |
Buying Points
What Is Buying Points?
Paying extra vig to move the spread in your favor:
| Original | Buy 0.5 | New Cost |
|---|---|---|
| -7 at -110 | -6.5 | -120 |
| +3 at -110 | +3.5 | -120 |
When Buying Points Makes Sense
Key Numbers in Football:
- 3 (field goal margin)
- 7 (TD margin)
- 10, 14 (multiple scores)
| Moving Off/Onto | Value |
|---|---|
| Off 3 (e.g., -3 to -2.5) | High |
| Onto 3 (e.g., -3.5 to -3) | High |
| Off 7 (e.g., -7 to -6.5) | High |
| Onto 7 (e.g., -7.5 to -7) | High |
| Random numbers | Low |
Buying Point Math
| Original | Cost to Buy | New Line | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| -3 at -110 | -120 | -2.5 | Often yes |
| -5 at -110 | -120 | -4.5 | Usually no |
| -7 at -110 | -120 | -6.5 | Often yes |
Only buy off/onto key numbers.
Sport-Specific Spreads
Football (NFL/College)
| Spread Range | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Close game |
| 3-7 | Moderate favorite |
| 7-14 | Strong favorite |
| 14+ | Heavy favorite |
Key numbers: 3, 7, 10, 14
Basketball (NBA/College)
| Spread Range | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1-4 | Close game |
| 5-10 | Moderate favorite |
| 10-15 | Strong favorite |
| 15+ | Heavy mismatch |
Key numbers: Less pronounced; 5-7 point margins common
Other Sports
| Sport | Spread Type |
|---|---|
| Baseball | Run line (±1.5) |
| Hockey | Puck line (±1.5) |
| Soccer | Goal line (±0.5, ±1.5) |
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Standard Football Spread
Game: Bills -6.5 (-110) vs Jets Bet: $110 on Bills -6.5
Outcome 1: Bills win 27-17
- Bills won by 10, covers -6.5 ✓
- Profit: $100
Outcome 2: Bills win 24-20
- Bills won by 4, doesn't cover -6.5 ✗
- Loss: $110
Example 2: Basketball Spread Push
Game: Lakers -4 (-110) vs Clippers Bet: $110 on Lakers -4
Final Score: Lakers 108, Clippers 104
- Lakers won by exactly 4 = PUSH
- Return: $110 (original bet, no profit)
Example 3: Buying Points
Original: Chiefs -3 at -110 Buy 0.5 point: Chiefs -2.5 at -120 Bet: $120 on Chiefs -2.5
Chiefs win 24-21:
- At -3: PUSH
- At -2.5: COVER (won by 3, needed 2.5)
- Buying the point saved the bet
Finding Value in Spreads
Line Shopping
Different sportsbooks offer different lines:
| Book | Spread | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Book A | -7 | -110 |
| Book B | -7 | -105 |
| Book C | -6.5 | -115 |
Best value depends on your analysis.
Line Movement
| Movement | Possible Reason |
|---|---|
| -3 to -3.5 | Money on favorite |
| -3 to -2.5 | Money on underdog |
| -3 to -3 (-115) | Vig adjustment |
Sharp vs Square Money
| Money Type | Timing |
|---|---|
| Sharp (professional) | Early week |
| Square (public) | Close to game |
Fading public money can sometimes have value.
Common Spread Betting Mistakes
1. Ignoring the Vig
Mistake: "It's basically 50/50" Reality: -110 requires 52.38% to break even Fix: Account for vig in all analysis
2. Overvaluing Favorites
Mistake: "Chiefs will crush them" Reality: Spread already accounts for strength difference Fix: Evaluate if spread is accurate, not just who wins
3. Buying Non-Key Numbers
Mistake: Buying from -5 to -4.5 Reality: Non-key numbers don't land often enough Fix: Only buy off/onto 3 and 7 in football
4. Chasing Steam
Mistake: Following line movement blindly Reality: By the time you see it, value may be gone Fix: Have independent analysis before seeing lines
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ATS mean?
Against the spread. A team's ATS record shows how often they cover the spread, not just win.
Why do spreads have half-points?
To eliminate pushes. -7.5 means one side definitively wins the bet.
Is spread betting better than moneyline?
Depends. Spreads offer ~-110 both sides; moneylines vary. For heavy favorites, spreads often have better value.
How are spreads set?
Oddsmakers estimate point differentials, then adjust based on betting action to balance their book.
What happens if a game ends exactly on the spread?
With whole-number spreads, it's a push—bets are returned. Half-point spreads prevent this.
Should I always take the points?
Not always. Evaluate if the underdog can cover, not just whether points seem "free."
Pro Tips
-
Shop lines: 0.5 points matters over time
-
Know key numbers: 3 and 7 in football are critical
-
Track ATS records: Not just win/loss records
-
Consider totals: High-scoring games have different spread dynamics
-
Manage bankroll: -110 vig adds up over hundreds of bets
Related Calculators
- Moneyline Calculator - Straight win bets
- Parlay Calculator - Combined bets
- Teaser Calculator - Point adjustment bets
- Odds Converter - Format conversion
- Kelly Criterion Calculator - Bet sizing
Conclusion
Point spread betting creates balanced markets between favorites and underdogs. Our calculator shows payouts, break-even rates, and the true cost of buying points. Master spread betting by understanding key numbers, shopping lines, and recognizing when spreads misprice matchups.
Calculate Your Point Spread Bets Now →
Success in spread betting comes from finding lines where your probability assessment differs from the market. Track your performance, understand the vig's impact, and make informed decisions.
