What is Total in Sports Betting?

Total Explained in Detail

The total and the over/under refer to the same concept. The total is the specific number set by the sportsbook, while the over/under describes the bet itself. When a sportsbook posts a total of 52.5, bettors then decide whether to take the over or the under at that number.

Totals vary dramatically across sports. NFL game totals typically range from 36 to 56. NBA game totals range from 210 to 240. NHL game totals hover around 5.5 to 6.5. Understanding the typical total range for each sport helps bettors identify when a number looks off.

Setting the total is one of the most complex tasks for oddsmakers because it requires projecting how both offenses and defenses will interact. Two elite offenses facing weak defenses might produce a total of 55 in the NFL, while two defensive powerhouses might see a total of 38. The spread between teams matters less for totals than the overall quality and style of both teams.

Bettors who specialize in totals often focus on specific situational angles. Games played in domes tend to go over more frequently in football. Back-to-back games in basketball often produce lower totals due to fatigue. Division rivals who know each other well tend to play tighter, lower-scoring games in hockey.