How to Use the Hold Calculator
This hold calculator shows you the spread between both sides of a market using the best available sportsbook odds. Sports bettors should always be looking to wager on markets with a low hold.
Nothing is better than a market with 0% hold, which is referred to as a "pick 'em" market. An example of a 0% hold market would be 2.00 odds on both sides—Liverpool at 2.00 on DraftKings and their opponent at 2.00 on Pinnacle.
Hold depends on a variety of factors, such as the betting market. Less wagered markets, such as lower-league soccer, typically have much higher hold than commonly bet markets, such as the Premier League or NBA. This is why making money betting on niche leagues can be more difficult for sports bettors.
Example: Calculating Hold
To use the hold calculator, simply enter the best possible odds for both sides of the market.
Example: If DraftKings offers Liverpool at 2.10 odds and FanDuel offers the draw at 2.05 odds, enter these two numbers into the calculator. The calculator will show you the current hold percentage.
Calculation breakdown:
- Liverpool 2.10 odds = 47.62% implied probability
- Draw 2.05 odds = 48.78% implied probability
- Total = 47.62% + 48.78% = 96.40%
- Hold = 96.40% - 100% = -3.60% (negative hold = arbitrage!)
In this case, you have an arbitrage opportunity with guaranteed profit.
What is a Good Hold Percentage?
Hold percentage benchmarks:
- 0% (pick'em): Perfect for low-hold betting and bonus clearing
- Under 2%: Excellent (Pinnacle-level markets)
- 2-3.5%: Good, acceptable for most betting
- 3.5-5%: Average, standard recreational sportsbook hold
- Above 5%: High hold, suboptimal for bettors
- Negative hold: Arbitrage opportunity!
Anything above 3.5% is considered a high hold percentage. Betting on markets with hold above 3.5% is suboptimal for sports bettors.
How is Hold Calculated?
You must understand implied probability to understand hold.
In the real world, the sum of two different events occurring will be 100%. However, in sports betting, that is not the case. There is juice or vig that the sportsbooks add so that they make money off of every bet.
Formula: Hold = (Sum of all implied probabilities) - 100%
Step-by-step:
- Convert Bet #1 odds to implied probability: 1 / odds
- Convert Bet #2 odds to implied probability: 1 / odds
- Add the probabilities together
- Subtract 100%
- Result is the hold percentage
Finding Low Hold Markets
This free calculator shows you HOW to calculate hold, but finding low-hold markets manually across dozens of sportsbooks is time-consuming.
FairOdds Terminal automatically displays low-hold opportunities across 60+ bookmakers. The Middle Bets section shows markets with the lowest hold percentages, perfect for:
- Clearing rollover requirements with minimal loss
- Earning rewards points and tier status
- Moving money between sportsbooks
- Finding arbitrage and middle bet opportunities
Start your free trial to access real-time low-hold market detection across all major sports.
Hold Calculator FAQ
What is hold in sports betting?
Hold (also called vig, juice, or overround) is the bookmaker's profit margin built into odds. It's calculated by summing the implied probabilities of all outcomes and subtracting 100%. A 5% hold means the bookmaker's edge is 5%.
How do you calculate hold percentage?
Convert both sides' odds to implied probability, add them together, subtract 100%. Example: 1.91 odds = 52.4% probability on each side. Total = 104.8%. Hold = 104.8% - 100% = 4.8%.
What is a good hold percentage?
Under 2% is excellent (Pinnacle level), 2-3.5% is good, 3.5-5% is average, above 5% is poor. Low hold markets offer better value for bettors. Pick'em markets (0% hold) are ideal but rare.
How do I find low hold markets?
Line shop across multiple sportsbooks using tools like FairOdds Terminal. Take the best odds from different books—this creates lower effective hold than betting both sides at one book. Look for markets with odds close to 2.00 on both sides.
What is a pick'em market?
A pick'em (0% hold) market has equal odds on both sides with no vig. Example: 2.00 odds on both outcomes. These are rare and valuable for low-hold betting and bonus clearing.
Why is low hold important?
Lower hold means less bookmaker edge, giving you better value. It's crucial for clearing rollover requirements efficiently, finding positive EV bets, and maximizing profits from arbitrage and middle betting opportunities.