What Does Total Mean in Sports Betting? (Over/Under Explained)

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Quick Summary

A total, also called an over/under, is a type of bet where you wager on the combined score of both teams—regardless of who wins the game. This article explains how totals work, how to read total lines, and how sportsbooks price them.

What Is a Total (Over/Under) Bet?

A total bet is a prediction on whether the combined score of both teams in a game will go over or under a line set by the sportsbook.

Example:

If the total for a football game is 48.5:

• A bet on Over 48.5 wins if the final score is 49 or more

• A bet on Under 48.5 wins if the final score is 48 or fewer

You’re not betting on which team wins—just how much total scoring occurs.

How It Differs From a Point Spread

Point Spread = Who wins and by how much

• Total = How much is scored, regardless of winner

How to Read and Calculate Total Bets

Step 1: Understand the Odds

Example game: Cowboys vs Eagles

Total line = 20.5

• Over 20.5 = +101

• Under 20.5 = –118

You're betting on whether the final score of both teams exceeds or stays below 20.5 points.

Step 2: Calculate Implied Probability

For positive odds (e.g. +101):

Implied Probability = 100 ÷ (Odds + 100)

→ 100 ÷ (101 + 100) = 49.75%

For negative odds (e.g. –118):

Implied Probability = Odds ÷ (Odds + 100)

→ 118 ÷ (118 + 100) = 54.13%

Step 3: Understand Payout Structure and Breakeven

Odds of –110 mean you need to win 52.4% of the time to break even

• Odds of +100 mean you break even at exactly 50%

Step 4: Calculate Stake and Return

Example 1 (Over 20.5 at +101):

Stake: $100

Payout = $100 × (1 + 1.01) = $201

Profit = $101

Example 2 (Under 20.5 at –118):

Convert –118 to decimal odds:

Decimal = 1 + (100 ÷ 118) ≈ 1.847

Payout = $100 × 1.847 = $184.75

Profit = $84.75

Step 5: Compare Value

Over at +101 = 49.75% break-even

• Under at –118 = 54.13% break-even

If you believe the over has more than a 49.75% chance of hitting, it offers positive expected value—even if the under is more likely on paper.

Types of Totals Bets

Game Total – Over/Under the combined final score

• Team Total – Points scored by one team only

• First Half Total – Combined score at halftime

• Quarter Total – Total points scored in a single quarter

• Player Prop Total – Stats like points, assists, rebounds, etc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring context – Always account for weather, injuries, and matchups

• Missing line movement – Track odds shifts to spot market sentiment

• Over-relying on history – Past matchups aren’t always predictive

• Overlooking vig – Remember: –110 = 52.4% break-even, not 50%

• Betting volatile matchups – Avoid totals in unpredictable games

Frequently Asked Questions

Does overtime count in total bets?

Yes—unless the sportsbook explicitly excludes it.

What happens if the total lands exactly on the line?

It’s a push. Your bet is refunded.

How often do totals hit?

It varies by sport, but understanding team styles, injury reports, and weather helps identify edges.

What does Over 2.5 mean?

You win if 3 or more total points are scored.

What does Under 1.5 mean?

You win if 1 or fewer points are scored.

How do I win a 1.5 total bet?

For Over 1.5, the total score must be 2 or more. For Under 1.5, it must be 1 or fewer.

Learn More

To better understand how total lines are priced and move across sportsbooks, visit The Advantage, where we break down market structure and betting fundamentals in clear, practical terms.

What Is a Total in Sports Betting?