Half Point Calculator Description
This sports betting calculator lets you compare the value of buying or selling half a point on spreads and totals. The half point calculator is used by beginner and advanced sports bettors to find value in alternate lines.
Let's say a sportsbook sets the total goals market at 1.91 odds for over 2.5 goals and 1.91 odds for under 2.5 goals. You may be wondering what the "implied" odds should be for over 2.0 goals, and this is exactly what the half point calculator will determine for you.
According to the half point calculator, over 2.0 goals should be approximately 1.87 odds. Thus, if you're able to find over 2.0 goals at 2.00 odds on a separate book, then it would be mathematically optimal to bet over 2.0 goals at 2.00 odds as opposed to over 2.5 goals at 1.91 odds.
How to Use the Half Point Calculator
- Enter the main spread or total (e.g., 1, 2.5, -1.5)
- Enter the odds for the main line (e.g., 1.91)
- The calculator shows fair odds for lines above and below (+0.5, -0.5)
- Compare these fair odds to what sportsbooks actually offer
- If actual odds are better than fair odds, you've found value
Example: Finding Value in Alternate Lines
Main line: Over 2.5 goals at 1.91 odds
Calculator shows:
- Over 2.0 goals fair odds: 1.87
- Over 3.0 goals fair odds: 1.95
What you find at sportsbooks:
- Bet365 offers Over 2.0 at 2.00 odds (better than 1.87 fair = VALUE)
- Pinnacle offers Over 3.0 at 1.90 odds (worse than 1.95 fair = NO VALUE)
Decision: Bet Over 2.0 at Bet365 (2.00 odds) instead of main line, because you're getting better value than the fair price.
What Sports Does This Work For?
The half point calculator works for any sport with point spreads, Asian handicaps, or totals:
- Soccer: Totals (goals) and Asian handicaps
- Basketball: Spreads and totals (NBA, Euroleague)
- Tennis: Total games, set handicaps
- Hockey: Totals (goals) and puck lines
- Baseball: Totals (runs)
The calculator is especially valuable for sports where alternate lines are commonly offered at sportsbooks.
How Can a Half Point Calculator Help You?
The half point calculator can help you find value in buying or selling half points, and determine if it's worth paying the price difference.
Key benefits:
- Find value in alternate lines: Identify when buying/selling points is profitable
- Avoid bad alternate line bets: See when the price is too high for the point change
- Optimize your bets: Sometimes -6.5 at better odds is smarter than -7 at worse odds
- Line shop effectively: Compare alternate lines across multiple sportsbooks
Using FairOdds Terminal for Alternate Lines
This free calculator shows you the fair value of half points, but FairOdds Terminal displays alternate lines across 60+ sportsbooks so you can find the best value instantly.
Instead of manually checking each book's alternate lines, the terminal shows all options side-by-side, making it easy to identify which alternate line offers the most positive expected value.
Start your free trial to compare alternate lines, spreads, and totals across all major sportsbooks.
Half Point Calculator FAQ
What is a half point calculator?
A half point calculator compares the value of buying or selling half points on spreads and totals. It calculates fair odds for each half-point value above and below the current line to identify whether alternate lines offer value.
What sports does the half point calculator work for?
The half point calculator works for any sport with point spreads, Asian handicaps, or totals: soccer, basketball, tennis, hockey, and baseball. It's especially useful for sports where alternate lines are commonly offered.
How do you calculate half point value?
Calculate fair odds for each half-point value above and below the current spread using implied probability adjustments. Compare these fair odds to the actual alternate line odds offered by sportsbooks to identify profitable opportunities.
When should you buy or sell half points?
Buy half points when the alternate line offers better value than the fair price. Sell half points when you can get significantly better odds and the half point isn't critical. Use the calculator to determine if the price difference justifies the point movement.
What are alternate lines in sports betting?
Alternate lines let you bet different spreads or totals than the main line. For example, if the main spread is -7 at 1.91 odds, you might get -6.5 at 1.80 odds or -7.5 at 2.00 odds. The half point calculator shows which alternate provides best value.
Is buying points worth it in sports betting?
Sometimes. Use the half point calculator to compare fair price vs actual price. If the alternate line is cheaper than the calculator's fair price, it offers value. If more expensive, stick with the main line. It depends on the specific odds offered.