Explain Units + and -

syph3n · #1 11-12-2007, 12:44 PM

Hey everyone,
I was wondering how to calculate total units. Say I put 2 units on a game that is -110, how do I calculate my total units on a win or loss, is there a formula? I assume If i put 2 units on the game and lose its -2 units, but for a win is it like +1.8 units or something like that? Is there a formula for different lines such as if it was -115? Is there a program to do this or formula I can use in an Excel spreadsheet? I'm just a little confused, so if anyone could clarify this, I would appreciate it.

Thanks
Nick

Austiger · #2 11-12-2007, 12:54 PM

Most people designate how many units they are betting to win. So if they are betting to win 1 unit and the line is -110, they are risking 1.1 units. If 1 unit to you is $100 and at the end of the day you are up $438, you have won 4.38 units.

mulebennett · #3 11-12-2007, 12:55 PM

Well if your units are $100, then when you bet you are betting $110 to win $100 (or 1.1 units to win 1 unit). However, if you are betting with positive odds (i.e. +125), then you bet $100 to win $125, or 1 unit to win 1.25 units.

Hope that helps. You could definitely make up a spreadsheet (highly advised) that would automatically calculate your odds and winnings, etc.

Performify · #4 11-12-2007, 01:00 PM

If you're new to Sports Betting, which it sounds like you are, you really should take the time and read the forum FAQ:

A line that is -110 means you must lay 110 to win 100.

A line that is for example -115 means you must lay 115 to win 100.

You can obviously do the very easy math to scale that to your accurate units, for example two units at -110 if you're betting $20 per game would be $44 risked to win $20.

If you can't do this math for some reason, you can use an online calculator, for example:
http://www.smartcapper.com/tool_payout_calculator.html

Most people track units as "to win" for negative lines and "to risk" for positive lines",

i.e. a listed bet of "two units on Philly -3 -110" (for $100 units) would be $220 risked to win $200, but a bet of "one unit on Dallas +7 +105" would be $100 to win $105.

-P

syph3n · #5 11-12-2007, 02:03 PM

Thanks for the responses. I guess my question could be easier explained in the following example:

Win [Philly -3 -110] Risking 2units (220 risked = 200 won)
Lose [Dallas +7 +105] Risking 2units (loss of 200)

Would my total units for the day = 0?
I am wondering this because i see people with decimals in their total units for the season and am wondering how the decimals get there.

Thanks again
Nick

kyro · #6 11-12-2007, 02:12 PM

Nick, your units are different. You have to have a static unit every time you bet. If you want a unit to be $100, then in the first example, you risked 2.2u and won 2, and in the second example, you risked and lost 2u.

whipsaw · #7 11-12-2007, 02:12 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the responses. I guess my question could be easier explained in the following example:

Win [Philly -3 -110] Risking 2units (220 risked = 200 won)
Lose [Dallas +7 +105] Risking 2units (loss of 200)

Would my total units for the day = 0?
I am wondering this because i see people with decimals in their total units for the season and am wondering how the decimals get there.

Thanks again
Nick

[/ QUOTE ]

Flip your example win and loss. Lose 220 but win 210, net -10. So you're -.10 units. That's how the decimals get there over time.

BJLTNYK · #8 11-12-2007, 02:13 PM

[ QUOTE ]

I am wondering this because i see people with decimals in their total units for the season and am wondering how the decimals get there.

Thanks again
Nick

[/ QUOTE ]

When I say I'm betting 2u I'm actually betting $200/$180 or 1.8u...I'm not betting the 2.2u/2u. It all varies on whether you're wagering to win the unit or wagering the unit itself. Also in your example if you had lost the first and won the second you would be down a fraction of a unit.

syph3n · #9 11-12-2007, 02:17 PM

Thanks guys!