What is the Vig / Hold Calculator?

The Vig / Hold Calculator is a free sports betting tool that shows the bookmaker’s built-in margin, also known as the vig, juice, or hold. This margin represents the sportsbook’s expected profit percentage from a market. By calculating the vig, bettors can see how much edge the sportsbook has and identify whether a bet offers fair value. It’s especially helpful for U.S. bettors comparing odds at FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, or BetOnline to find the best-priced lines.

How do you calculate the vig or hold?

Here’s how the Vig / Hold Calculator determines the sportsbook’s margin step by step: Step 1: Convert odds to probabilities. For positive American odds (e.g., +150): Probability = 100 / (Odds + 100). For negative American odds (e.g., -120): Probability = |Odds| / (|Odds| + 100). Step 2: Add all implied probabilities. If you’re analyzing two or more outcomes (e.g., sides, totals, or props), sum all their probabilities: Sum = Probability 1 + Probability 2 + ... + Probability n. Step 3: Calculate the vig or hold percentage: Vig / Hold = ((Sum − 1) / Sum) × 100. This gives the bookmaker’s profit margin, showing how much extra percentage is built into the market. The higher the hold, the less favorable the odds are for bettors.

How does this calculator help me?

The Vig / Hold Calculator helps you instantly measure how much edge the sportsbook is taking on a market. If you find that one book’s hold is lower than another’s, you’re getting a better price — meaning more of your stake goes toward expected value, not the house margin. It’s also useful for exploring multi-way bets (like futures or props), where the total hold percentage typically increases with more selections. By understanding the vig, bettors can make smarter comparisons, find no-vig fair odds, and identify opportunities with reduced margins that improve long-term profitability.

Why does it say Vig / Hold?

In sports betting, vig (short for “vigorish”) and hold describe the same concept — the bookmaker’s built-in profit margin. This calculator displays that margin in percentage form so you can quickly see how much edge the sportsbook holds over the bettor. Knowing this number helps you make more data-driven decisions and avoid overpaying for lines.

Bettor Ed Vig/Hold Calculator

Enter the price on each side to get the vig

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about the EV Calculator

What is the Vig / Hold Calculator?
- The Vig / Hold Calculator is a free sports betting tool that shows the bookmaker’s built-in margin, also known as the vig, juice, or hold.
- This margin represents the sportsbook’s expected profit percentage from a market. By calculating the vig, bettors can see how much edge the sportsbook has and identify whether a bet offers fair value.
- It’s especially helpful for U.S. bettors comparing odds at FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, or BetOnline to find the best-priced lines.
How do you calculate the vig or hold?
- Here’s how the Vig / Hold Calculator determines the sportsbook’s margin step by step:
- Step 1: Convert odds to probabilities
  - For positive American odds (e.g., +150):
    Probability = 100 / (Odds + 100)
  - For negative American odds (e.g., -120):
    Probability = |Odds| / (|Odds| + 100)
- Step 2: Add all implied probabilities
  - If you’re analyzing two or more outcomes (e.g., sides, totals, or props), sum all their probabilities:
    Sum = Probability 1 + Probability 2 + ... + Probability n
- Step 3: Calculate the vig or hold percentage
  - Vig / Hold = ((Sum − 1) / Sum) × 100
  - This gives the bookmaker’s profit margin, showing how much extra percentage is built into the market. The higher the hold, the less favorable the odds are for bettors.
How does this calculator help me?
- The Vig / Hold Calculator helps you instantly measure how much edge the sportsbook is taking on a market.
- If you find that one book’s hold is lower than another’s, you’re getting a better price — meaning more of your stake goes toward expected value, not the house margin.
- It’s also useful for exploring multi-way bets (like futures or props), where the total hold percentage typically increases with more selections.
- By understanding the vig, bettors can make smarter comparisons, find no-vig fair odds, and identify opportunities with reduced margins that improve long-term profitability.
Why does it say Vig / Hold?
- In sports betting, vig (short for “vigorish”) and hold describe the same concept — the bookmaker’s built-in profit margin.
- This calculator displays that margin in percentage form so you can quickly see how much edge the sportsbook holds over the bettor. Knowing this number helps you make more data-driven decisions and avoid overpaying for lines.