An over/under, or total, is a bet on the combined score of a game, not who wins. The sportsbook sets a number; you bet whether the final total will be over or under it. It is one of the most popular bets in every sport.
How totals work
NFL game total: 47.5, Over −110 / Under −110.
- Final score 27–24 (51 points): over wins.
- Final score 20–17 (37 points): under wins.
- Whole-number totals (e.g., 47) can push if the game lands exactly on the number.
Overtime counts in most US sports totals. In soccer, totals usually cover 90 minutes plus stoppage time only.
How books set totals
Books start from projected scoring for each team (pace, efficiency, matchup, weather), then adjust as money comes in. The sharpest bettors bet early, and the line moves toward their view; by kickoff, the closing total is usually a very accurate estimate of expected scoring.
What moves totals
- Weather: strong wind is the biggest factor in NFL and MLB totals; rain and cold matter less than most people think.
- Injuries: a starting quarterback, a top scorer, or (in MLB) a pitching change.
- Pace: in the NBA and college basketball, possessions per game drive totals.
- Officials: in some sports, referee crews call games differently.
- Ballpark and roof: MLB parks vary hugely in run scoring.
Key totals in the NFL
NFL totals have soft key numbers, especially 41, 43, 44, 47 and 51, because common scoring combinations land there. They matter much less than the spread's key numbers of 3 and 7, but buying through them at a cheap price can be worth it. (NFL key numbers.)
Team totals and alternate totals
- Team totals let you bet one team's score. They are posted with less attention than the main total, which can create value.
- Alternate totals let you move the line for a different price. (Alternate lines explained.)
- First-half and quarter totals are smaller markets with more pricing variety between books.
How to find value on totals
- Devig the sharp total to get fair over/under probabilities. (No-vig odds.)
- Line shop both the number and the price. In the NBA, the total can differ by 1–2 points between books on the same game. (Line shopping.)
- Watch for stale numbers after news. A weather or injury update can leave slow books behind for minutes. (How long edges last.)
- Avoid the public over bias. Casual bettors love overs. Books know it, and sometimes shade overs slightly. Unders are not automatically value, but overs deserve extra price scrutiny.
Frequently asked questions
What does over/under mean in betting?
You bet whether the combined score of both teams will be higher (over) or lower (under) than the number set by the sportsbook.
Does overtime count in over/under bets?
In most US sports, yes. In soccer, standard totals cover regulation time plus stoppage time only. Always check the book's rules.
What happens if the total lands exactly on the number?
The bet pushes and your stake is refunded. Half-point totals cannot push.