Spread Calculator
Point Spread Betting Calculator
Calculate potential payouts for NFL, NBA & all sports spreads
How to Use This Spread Calculator:
- Enter your bet amount (how much you want to risk)
- Input the point spread (e.g., -3.5 for favorites, +3.5 for underdogs)
- Select the juice/odds (usually -110, but can vary)
- Click "Calculate Payout" to see potential returns if your bet is successful
What is a Spread Betting Calculator?
A spread betting calculator is a free tool that calculates the potential payout from point spread bets in sports like NFL and NBA. Point spread betting is a popular form of sports wagering, where you bet on the margin of victory rather than just picking a winner. The spread calculator accounts for different juice amounts (-110, -105, -115) and shows you how much you could potentially receive based on your stake if your bet is successful.
Our spread calculator helps you understand potential payouts for both favorites (who must win by more than the spread) and underdogs (who can lose by less than the spread or win outright). Whether you're betting NFL Sunday spreads or NBA nightly lines, this tool provides instant payout calculations.
How Does the Spread Calculator Work?
The spread calculator uses standard sports betting mathematics to determine your potential payout. Here's the formula:
Point Spread Payout Formula (Verified)
- For negative odds (e.g., -110): Profit = Stake × (100 ÷ |Odds|)
- For positive odds (e.g., +150): Profit = Stake × (Odds ÷ 100)
- Total Payout = Stake + Profit
Understanding Different Juice (Vig)
| Juice/Odds | $100 Potential Profit | Break-Even % | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| -105 | $95.24 | 51.22% | 2.44% |
| -110 | $90.91 | 52.38% | 4.76% |
| -115 | $86.96 | 53.49% | 6.98% |
| -120 | $83.33 | 54.55% | 9.09% |
NFL Spread Calculator Examples
NFL point spreads are among the most popular bets in American sports betting. Here are typical scenarios:
Example 1: NFL Key Number Spread
| Game | Spread | Odds | $100 Bet Potential Profit | Coverage Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiefs | -3 | -110 | $90.91 | Must win by 4+ |
| Bills | +3 | -110 | $90.91 | Lose by 2 or less/Win |
| If Chiefs win 24-21 (exactly 3) | PUSH - All bets refunded | |||
Example 2: Buying Half Points
| Original Line | Adjusted Line | New Odds | $100 Potential Profit | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboys -7 (-110) | Cowboys -6.5 | -120 | $83.33 | Avoid push on 7 |
| Packers +3 (-110) | Packers +3.5 | -125 | $80.00 | Cover on FG loss |
NBA Spread Betting Calculator Examples
NBA spreads tend to be larger than NFL due to higher scoring. Here's how potential payouts work:
Typical NBA Spread Scenarios
| Team | Spread | Juice | $50 Bet | $100 Bet | $500 Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers -5.5 | Must win by 6+ | -110 | Potential: $45.45 | Potential: $90.91 | Potential: $454.55 |
| Celtics +5.5 | Can lose by 5 or less | -110 | Potential: $45.45 | Potential: $90.91 | Potential: $454.55 |
| Warriors -9.5 | Must win by 10+ | -105 | Potential: $47.62 | Potential: $95.24 | Potential: $476.19 |
Point Spread to Moneyline Conversion (Estimates)
Important: These are rough estimates based on historical data. Actual moneyline odds vary by sport, team, and situation.
NFL Spread to Moneyline Estimates
| Point Spread | Favorite ML (Est.) | Underdog ML (Est.) | Implied Probability (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| -1 | -115 to -120 | -105 to +100 | ~52-54% |
| -2.5 | -135 to -145 | +115 to +125 | ~57-59% |
| -3 | -150 to -165 | +130 to +145 | ~60-62% |
| -3.5 | -170 to -185 | +150 to +165 | ~63-65% |
| -7 | -320 to -380 | +260 to +300 | ~76-79% |
| -10 | -500 to -600 | +375 to +450 | ~83-86% |
Advanced Spread Betting Strategies
1. Shopping for Better Lines
Small differences in spreads and juice can significantly impact long-term results:
- -3 vs -3.5: The half-point can be worth 3-4% in probability
- -110 vs -105: Saves $5 per $100 wagered, adding up over time
- Key numbers: In NFL, 3 and 7 are the most common margins of victory
2. Understanding Push Scenarios
When the margin of victory exactly matches the spread:
- All bets are refunded (no winner or loser)
- Common with whole number spreads (-3, -7, etc.)
- Half-points (.5) eliminate push possibility
- Some books offer "push = win" promotions
3. Teasing Spreads
Moving multiple spreads in your favor for reduced payout:
- 6-point teaser: Move two NFL spreads 6 points each
- Example: Chiefs -7.5 → -1.5, Bills +3 → +9
- Payout: Usually -110 to -120 for 2-team teaser
- Use our teaser calculator for potential payouts
Common Spread Betting Mistakes
- Ignoring the juice: -115 vs -105 makes a difference over time
- Not shopping lines: Different books offer different spreads and odds
- Overvaluing home field: It's typically worth 2.5-3 points, not more
- Chasing steam: Line movement doesn't always indicate sharp action
- Parlaying too many spreads: Each leg reduces probability significantly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spread betting calculator?
A spread betting calculator is a free tool that calculates the potential payout from point spread bets in sports like NFL and NBA. It accounts for different juice amounts (-110, -105, -115) and shows you how much you could potentially receive based on your stake if your bet is successful. The calculator also helps convert spreads to moneyline odds and determine cover probability.
How do you calculate spread bet payouts?
To calculate spread bet payouts: For negative odds like -110, use the formula: Stake × (100 ÷ |Odds|) = Profit. For example, a $100 bet at -110 would return $90.91 profit if successful. Total payout = Stake + Profit = $190.91. For positive odds, use: Stake × (Odds ÷ 100) = Profit.
What does -3.5 spread mean?
A -3.5 spread means the favorite must win by 4 or more points to cover the spread. The underdog at +3.5 covers if they win outright or lose by 3 or fewer points. The half-point (.5) prevents a push, ensuring one side always wins. This is common in NFL and NBA betting.
What's the difference between -105 and -110 juice?
The difference is how much you need to risk to win $100. At -110, you risk $110 to win $100 (52.38% break-even). At -105, you risk $105 to win $100 (51.22% break-even). This 1.16% difference in break-even percentage significantly impacts long-term profitability.
What happens if the spread lands exactly?
When the final margin equals the spread exactly (e.g., favorite wins by exactly 3 on a -3 spread), it's called a push. All bets are refunded - you get your stake back but don't win or lose. This only happens with whole number spreads. Half-point spreads (.5) eliminate the possibility of a push.
Can I use this calculator for MLB run lines?
Yes, this spread calculator works for any sport with point/run/goal spreads. MLB run lines (typically -1.5/+1.5), NHL puck lines, and soccer spreads all calculate the same way. Just enter the spread and odds, and the calculator will show your potential payout. The math is identical across all sports.
Published by: Robert Wood, Topend Sports, July 2025
Last Updated:
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