This study aimed to detect genotypic differences in the resistance to sprouting of wheat grains, evaluate the effectiveness of different methods for inducing sprouting and identify, using repeatability estimates, the minimum number of spikes necessary for the adequate evaluation of the percentage of grain sprouting in the spike in order to assist in the selection of superior genotypes in breeding programs. Spikes from four wheat cultivars (Frontana, IPR Catuara, Quartzo and BRS 220) were evaluated using three methods for inducing grain sprouting in the spike (water immersion, rainfall simulation and germination chamber). To determine the most efficient method, repeatability coefficients were estimated through analysis of variance, principal components analysis and structural analysis based on correlation and covariance matrices. The induction of sprouting by immersion in water was the most effective method for indicating genotypic differences and may be used in breeding programs for this purpose. The repeatability method based on the components of covariance was more efficient. A minimum of 11 spikes is required to make a high-reliability estimate of the percentage of sprouted grains in the spike.