An Over/Under bet, also called a total, is a wager on the combined number of points, runs, or goals scored in a game. The sportsbook posts a number, and you choose Over if you think the final combined score will be higher or Under if you think it will be lower.
Totals are popular across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and soccer because they let you bet on game flow rather than on which team wins.
Totals Betting Explained
Oddsmakers project a game’s combined score by weighing offense and defense, pace, injuries, and recent form. You then decide whether the actual score will finish over or under that number.
- If the game finishes above the posted total, Over wins.
- If it finishes below, Under wins.
- Overtime counts toward the total unless the rules state otherwise.
- If the combined score lands exactly on the number, the bet is a push and stakes are refunded.
How to Bet an Over/Under: Step by Step
- Find the game: open your sportsbook, choose the league, and select the matchup.
- Locate Totals: look for “Total,” “O/U,” or “Over/Under.” You will see a number such as 47.5 with prices for Over and Under, often near -110. Remember that overtime usually counts.
- Pick a side: tap Over or Under.
- Enter your stake: review the line and odds. The bet slip shows your potential payout.
- Place the bet: confirm. Track it in Open Bets.
Example: NFL total 47.5 at -110. Over 47.5 wins if the combined points reach 48 or more. At -110, a $100 stake returns $190.91 in total if it wins, which is $90.91 profit.
Live totals are also available during games. Lines update with pace and scoring. If an NBA game opens 212.5 and a fast first quarter pushes the live total to 224.5, you might bet Under 224.5 if you expect scoring to slow.
How Over/Under Lines Are Set
Books blend data, matchup context, and market behavior. Key drivers by sport include:
- Football: weather, quarterback play, offensive line vs defensive front, pace.
- Basketball: tempo, shooting efficiency, defensive ratings, rotations and player availability.
- Baseball: starting pitchers, bullpen workload, ballpark factors, wind.
- Hockey: goalie form, recent scoring trends, power play and penalty kill strength.
- Soccer: team styles, formations, fixture importance, travel fatigue.
Pricing is also shaped by the market. If influential bettors take a side, the total may adjust to balance action and manage risk.
Why Totals Move
Totals shift when sportsbooks react to new information or imbalanced betting:
- Injuries or rest: a key scorer ruled out often lowers the total.
- Weather: wind and rain can suppress scoring in football and baseball.
- Public trends: heavy money on one side can nudge the number.
- Sharp action: respected wagers can move lines quickly.
Example: an NBA total opens 228.5. If a high-usage scorer is scratched, the total may drop to 224.5 before tip.
How to Calculate the Vig on Totals
Vig (vigorish) is the bookmaker’s commission built into the odds.
For American odds:
- For negative odds: implied probability = |odds| ÷ (|odds| + 100).
- For positive odds: implied probability = 100 ÷ (odds + 100).
Standard example: both sides at -110
- Implied probability each side: 110 ÷ 210 = 52.38%
- Market total: 52.38% + 52.38% = 104.76%
- Overround (vig): 104.76% − 100% = 4.76%
Vig varies by book, sport, liquidity, and timing.
Choosing a Sportsbook for Totals
Stay neutral and compare:
- Line quality: shop for the best number and price.
- Live betting: fast updates and multiple in-game totals.
- Alternate totals: options to move the number up or down with adjusted odds.
- Rules transparency: clear policies on overtime and pushes.
- Limits and payouts: adequate limits and reliable withdrawal speed.
Practical Tips for Totals Bettors
- Track pace and efficiency, not just recent scores.
- Monitor injuries and rest news close to game time.
- Check weather for outdoor sports.
- Shop lines across multiple books to reduce vig and find better numbers.
- Have a plan for live betting if you expect pace changes.
💡 Looking for trusted sports picks? Visit our Sports Picks Sites page to find the best sources for accurate sports predictions.
FAQ: Over/Under Basics
Do overtime points count toward totals?
Usually yes. Check house rules for exceptions.
What is the “.5” in a total?
It is the hook. It prevents pushes by removing tie outcomes.
Can I parlay totals?
Yes, most sportsbooks allow parlays that include totals, pregame or live.
What happens if the total lands exactly on the number?
That is a push. Stakes are refunded.