American odds are the standard format used in US sportsbooks, expressed as positive (+) or negative (-) numbers relative to $100. Positive odds show how much profit you would earn on a $100 bet (+150 means $150 profit on a $100 wager). Negative odds show how much you need to risk to earn $100 in profit (-150 means you must risk $150 to win $100). American odds are also called moneyline odds, and they are the default display at virtually every legal US sportsbook. Understanding this format is essential because it directly tells you the payout structure and implied probability of any wager.
Example
+200 means bet $100 to win $200 profit ($300 total return). -200 means bet $200 to win $100 profit ($300 total return). The break-even point for the standard -110 line is a 52.4% win rate, which is why sportsbooks set both sides of a spread at -110: the extra 2.4% beyond 50% on each side represents their built-in margin. For a real-world example, if you see a moneyline of +350 on an underdog, that implies the book gives them roughly a 22.2% chance of winning, and a $50 bet would return $225 in total if they win.
Common Questions
How do I convert American odds to probability?
How do I convert American odds to probability?
For positive odds, use the formula: 100 / (odds + 100). So +200 equals 100 / 300, which is 33.3%. For negative odds, use: odds / (odds + 100), dropping the minus sign. So -200 equals 200 / 300, which is 66.7%. These are implied probabilities that include the sportsbook's vig (margin). The true probability is slightly lower for favorites and slightly higher for underdogs once you remove the vig, which is why comparing implied probabilities to your own estimates is the foundation of finding value.
Which odds format is best?
Which odds format is best?
Decimal odds are mathematically simplest for calculations because you just multiply your stake by the decimal to get total return. American odds are more intuitive for US bettors because they immediately show the relationship to $100. Fractional odds are traditional in the UK. Use whatever format you're most comfortable reading quickly. Many experienced bettors prefer decimal odds when comparing lines across books because the math is straightforward, but all three formats convey the same underlying information. Our odds converter handles all formats seamlessly.
What does -110 mean on a spread bet?
What does -110 mean on a spread bet?
The -110 line is the standard price sportsbooks charge on spread bets and totals. It means you must risk $110 to win $100 in profit. Both sides of the bet are typically set at -110, creating a 4.5% combined margin for the sportsbook. This built-in commission is called the vig or juice. Finding lines at -105 instead of -110 significantly improves your long-term profitability, which is why line shopping across multiple sportsbooks is one of the simplest and most effective strategies for any bettor.
How do American odds relate to decimal and fractional odds?
How do American odds relate to decimal and fractional odds?
All three formats express the same information differently. To convert positive American odds to decimal, divide by 100 and add 1 (so +200 becomes 3.00). For negative odds, divide 100 by the odds and add 1 (so -200 becomes 1.50). For fractional, +200 is 2/1 and -200 is 1/2. Knowing how to move between formats helps when comparing odds across international sportsbooks or using betting tools that display different formats. Most serious bettors become comfortable with all three formats over time, since odds from offshore and European books are typically displayed in decimal format while US-regulated books default to American odds.