What Does a -5 Point Spread Mean?
A -5 point spread means the favorite must win by more than 5 points to cover the bet. At the standard -110 price, a $100 bet returns $190.91 ($90.91 profit), and the line implies about a 52.4% break-even win rate.
The favorite must win by more than 5 points to land in the blue zone and cover -5. A smaller win, a tie, or a loss means the underdog covers. Works the same across the NFL, NBA, college football and basketball, and more.
At a glance
- Side
- Favorite
- Covers if
- Wins by more than 5
- Standard odds
- -110
- P2P odds (BettorEdge)
- +100
- $100 returns at +100
- $200.00
- Implied probability
- 52.4%
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Run the numbers
What does a -5 spread mean?
When you bet a -5 favorite, the team has to win by 6 or more points (a margin of exactly 5 would push if the spread were a whole number). The half-point on -5 removes any chance of a tie, so it is a clean win or loss on the bet.
Typical odds and payout
Point spreads are usually priced around -110 on each side. At -110, a $100 bet returns $190.91 (a $90.91 profit), and the price implies about a 52.4% break-even win rate. Use the betting calculator to check any stake.
Where you see a -5 spread
A -5 spread shows up across the NFL, NBA, college football, and college basketball whenever the matchup is moderately lopsided. The exact number moves with the matchup and the money coming in.
Get a better price than -5
The vig on a standard -110 spread is real money over time. On BettorEdge you trade -5 with other bettors instead of a sportsbook, so you can get a better price than -110 and keep more of every cover. No house, no built-in juice.
Related spreads
Frequently asked questions
What does -5 mean in betting?+
It is a point spread on the favorite. The team must win by more than 5 points for the bet to cash.
What does a -5 bet pay at -110?+
At the standard -110 sportsbook price, a $100 bet on a -5 spread returns $190.91 ($90.91 profit). Run any stake through the betting calculator.
What does a -5 bet pay at +100?+
On BettorEdge you can often get -5 at +100 (even money) instead of -110, because you trade peer-to-peer with no built-in vig. At +100 a $100 bet returns $200.00 ($100.00 profit), a better payout than the $190.91 you get at -110. Check any stake in the betting calculator.
What is the implied probability of a -5 spread at -110?+
About 52.4%. That is the break-even win rate you need to profit at standard juice, which is why a better price matters.
Bet -5 at a better price.
No house juice. Sign up for a shot at up to $100. No deposit needed.