Hold Calculator
Calculate the sportsbook hold percentage between two betting odds
Hold %
0.00%
The Hold Calculator helps you identify how much of an edge the sportsbook has by analyzing the gap between both sides of a betting market. A lower hold means more favorable conditions for bettors, while a higher hold signals built-in profit margin for the sportsbook.
To use it, just enter the best available odds for each side of the market. For instance, if one sportsbook lists the Blue Jays at +135 and another offers the Yankees at -140, the calculator will reveal the percentage hold based on those odds.
Tip: The more efficient the market (like NFL spreads), the lower the hold usually is. Focus on these for better returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hold is the built-in margin or edge that a sportsbook has on a betting market. It represents the percentage of total stakes the sportsbook expects to keep over time, regardless of the event outcome.
A lower hold means the sportsbook has less margin built into the odds, which often leads to better value and more profitable opportunities for bettors. Ideally, you want to bet into markets with the lowest hold.
A 0% hold market is when the odds on both sides of a bet are so favorable that the sportsbook has no built-in edge. This typically happens when you combine the best odds from two different sportsbooks.
Simply enter the best available odds for both outcomes of a market. The calculator will show you the hold percentage. The lower the number, the better the value.
Markets with a hold under 2% are considered sharp and efficient. Anything over 5% tends to favor the sportsbook and is less ideal for long-term betting success.
Yes! A low or even negative hold (when combining odds across books) may signal an arbitrage or value betting opportunity. Always compare multiple sportsbooks to find the best lines.