Vig Calculator

📊 Vig Calculator

Enter the odds for each outcome to calculate the bookmaker's margin (vig) and find the true no-vig odds. The calculator supports two-way markets and multi-way markets.

4.76%

Bookmaker Margin (Vig)

For every $100 in true probability, the book prices it at $104.76. The bookmaker keeps roughly $2.33 per $100 wagered (house edge).

0% (Fair) 5% 10% 15% 20%+

Total Implied Probability

104.76%

Should be 100% for fair odds

House Edge Per Bet

2.38%

Expected loss per $100 wagered

Breakeven Win Rate

52.38%

Win rate needed to break even

Outcome	Book Odds	Implied Prob	Fair Odds	True Prob

🎯 Common Examples

Click an example to load it into the calculator:

Standard -110 Lines

Typical US sportsbook spread/total

~4.76% vig

Sharp Book -105 Lines

Low-juice books like Pinnacle

~2.44% vig

Moneyline Example

-150 vs +130 favorite/underdog

~4.02% vig

Soccer Three-Way

Home/Draw/Away market

~5.5% vig

Player Prop Market

Higher margin prop bets

~8% vig

Fair Odds (No Vig)

Theoretical 50/50 at +100/+100

0% vig

📐 How Vig Is Calculated

Vig = (Σ Implied Probabilities) - 100%

Step 1: Convert each odds to implied probability

Step 2: Sum all implied probabilities

Step 3: Subtract 100% to find the overround (vig)

Example: For -110 / -110 lines: Each -110 implies 52.38% probability. Total: 52.38% + 52.38% = 104.76%. The vig is 104.76% - 100% = 4.76%.

Converting American Odds to Implied Probability

For negative odds (-110): Probability = |Odds| / (|Odds| + 100)

Example: 110 / (110 + 100) = 110/210 = 52.38%

For positive odds (+150): Probability = 100 / (Odds + 100)

Example: 100 / (150 + 100) = 100/250 = 40.00%

Understanding the Vig: The Bookmaker's Edge Explained

The vig (short for vigorish, also called juice, margin, or overround) is the fundamental way sportsbooks make money. Every line you see has the vig built in—it's the difference between what bookmakers pay out and what they would pay if the odds were mathematically fair. According to the American Gaming Association, sports betting is a multi-billion dollar industry, and the vig is what powers it.

Here's how it works: In a truly fair coin flip, both sides would be priced at +100 (2.00 decimal), meaning you risk $100 to win $100. But sportsbooks can't make money that way. Instead, they price both sides at -110, meaning you risk $110 to win $100. This small difference is the vig—and it adds up over millions of bets.

Why Understanding Vig Matters for Bettors

The vig directly impacts your long-term profitability. As explained by Pinnacle's betting resources, understanding margin is essential for serious bettors. Here's why:

It determines your breakeven point: With standard -110 lines, you need to win 52.38% of your bets just to break even—not 50%.
It compounds over time: The more bets you place, the more the vig eats into your bankroll. Over 1,000 bets at 5% vig, you'd expect to lose around $25 per $100 wagered.
Not all vig is equal: Different books charge different margins. Finding lower-vig lines through line shopping can be worth thousands over a betting career.
It varies by market: Main lines often have 3-5% vig, while props and exotics can have 8-15%+.

Typical Vig by Market Type

Understanding typical margins helps you identify when you're being charged too much:

Market Type	Typical Vig	House Edge	Notes
Sharp Books (Pinnacle)	2-3%	1-1.5%	Lowest margins available
Standard Spreads/Totals	4-5%	2-2.5%	Most US sportsbooks
Moneylines (favorites)	4-6%	2-3%	Varies by line
Soccer Three-Way	5-8%	2.5-4%	Draw adds complexity
Player Props	6-10%	3-5%	Less liquid markets
Parlays/Teasers	10-20%+	5-10%+	Hidden in payouts
Futures Markets	15-40%+	7.5-20%+	High variance markets

Calculating True (No-Vig) Odds

Once you know the vig, you can calculate what fair odds would look like. This is essential for finding positive expected value. The process involves removing the margin proportionally from each outcome:

True Prob = Implied Prob / Total Implied Prob

Example: -110 / -110 market

Each side: 52.38% implied, Total: 104.76%

True probability each side: 52.38% / 104.76% = 50.00%

Fair odds: +100 (2.00 decimal) for each side

The Relationship Between Vig and House Edge

While often used interchangeably, vig and house edge are different concepts. The vig is the total overround, while house edge is your expected loss per dollar wagered. According to UNLV's International Gaming Institute, understanding this distinction is crucial for gambling mathematics:

Vig: The total margin built into the line (how much over 100% the probabilities sum to)
House Edge: Your expected loss as a percentage of amount wagered
Relationship: For symmetric vig (equal on both sides), house edge ≈ vig / 2

For standard -110/-110 lines with 4.76% vig, the house edge is approximately 2.38%—meaning you lose $2.38 for every $100 wagered over time. This is better than most casino games but still a significant drag on your bankroll.

Strategies to Minimize Vig Impact

Smart bettors take several approaches to reduce the vig's impact on their results:

Line shop relentlessly: Having accounts at multiple books and always taking the best line can cut effective vig in half. See our odds comparison calculator to understand the math.
Bet reduced juice offerings: Some books offer -105 lines on certain markets or during promotions.
Use betting exchanges: Peer-to-peer platforms like betting exchanges charge commission instead of vig, often resulting in better prices.
Avoid high-vig markets: Props, parlays, and futures carry much higher margins. Stick to main lines when possible.
Focus on closing line value: Beating the closing line indicates you're overcoming the vig through skill.

Remember: The vig guarantees the house makes money over time. Even with perfect 50% accuracy on coin-flip bets, you'll lose at -110 lines. The only way to profit long-term is to identify value—situations where true probability exceeds implied probability—and overcome the vig through skill.

Practical Tips for Using This Calculator

Always check the vig before betting: If a market has 8%+ vig, consider whether the expected edge is worth the cost.
Compare vig across books: The same market can have very different margins at different sportsbooks.
Use fair odds to find value: If a book offers +150 but fair odds are +135, that's a value bet.
Track market efficiency: Lines typically become more efficient (lower vig) as game time approaches.
Factor vig into your bankroll math: When calculating Kelly Criterion bet sizes, remember the vig reduces your true edge.

Educational Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes to help understand sports betting mathematics. The vig ensures that over time, the house has a mathematical advantage. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. For gambling help resources, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling or see our responsible gambling page. 18+ Only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the vig in sports betting?

The vig (vigorish), also called juice or margin, is the commission bookmakers charge on bets. It's built into the odds so the total implied probability exceeds 100%. For example, standard -110/-110 lines have about 4.76% vig, meaning for every $100 in true probability, the book prices it at $104.76.

How do you calculate the vig?

To calculate vig: 1) Convert each odds to implied probability, 2) Add all probabilities together, 3) Subtract 100% to get the overround. Formula: Vig = (1/Odds1 + 1/Odds2 + ... - 1) × 100. For -110/-110: (0.5238 + 0.5238 - 1) × 100 = 4.76%.

What are fair no-vig odds?

No-vig (or fair) odds are what the odds would be without the bookmaker's margin. They represent true mathematical probability. To calculate: divide each implied probability by the total implied probability to normalize to 100%, then convert back to odds. Fair odds are essential for identifying value bets.

What is a good vig percentage?

Lower vig is always better for bettors. Standard American sportsbooks charge 4-5% on major markets (spreads, totals). Sharp books like Pinnacle offer 2-3%. Prop bets and exotic markets often carry 6-10%+ vig. For serious bettors, finding low-vig lines through line shopping is crucial for profitability.

Why do bookmakers charge vig?

The vig is how bookmakers guarantee profit regardless of outcomes. By paying less than fair odds on both sides, they create a mathematical edge. Even if action is perfectly balanced 50/50, the vig ensures profit. It's the fundamental business model of all bookmakers and sportsbooks worldwide.

How does vig affect expected value?

The vig directly reduces your expected value on every bet. With 5% vig distributed evenly, you need to win more than 52.38% of even-money bets just to break even (instead of 50%). Higher-vig markets require even higher win rates. This is why line shopping and finding reduced juice is essential for serious bettors.

Is vig the same as house edge?

They're related but different. Vig is the total overround (how much over 100% probabilities sum to). House edge is expected loss per dollar wagered. For symmetric vig, house edge equals roughly half the vig. With -110/-110 (4.76% vig), house edge is ~2.38% per bet. However, if you consistently beat closing lines, you can overcome the vig.