Powerball Lottery Odds & Payout Calculator
Use this calculator to understand your chances of winning and potential payouts for the Powerball lottery, based on the number of tickets you purchase and the current jackpot.
Understanding Powerball
Powerball is one of the most popular multi-state lottery games in the United States, known for its massive jackpots. To play, you select five numbers from a set of 69 white balls and one number from a set of 26 red Powerballs. Matching all six numbers wins you the grand prize jackpot.
How Powerball Odds Work
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are famously steep: 1 in 292,201,338. These odds are calculated by multiplying the combinations of selecting 5 white balls from 69 (C(69, 5) = 11,238,513) by the combinations of selecting 1 red Powerball from 26 (C(26, 1) = 26). This results in 11,238,513 * 26 = 292,201,338 unique combinations.
However, there are nine different ways to win a prize in Powerball, ranging from matching just the Powerball to hitting the jackpot. The overall odds of winning any prize are significantly better, at approximately 1 in 24.87.
Powerball Prize Tiers and Odds (1 in X)
- Match 5 + Powerball (Jackpot): 292,201,338
- Match 5: 11,688,053.52 (Prize: $1,000,000)
- Match 4 + Powerball: 913,129.18 (Prize: $50,000)
- Match 4: 36,525.17 (Prize: $100)
- Match 3 + Powerball: 14,494.11 (Prize: $100)
- Match 3: 579.76 (Prize: $7)
- Match 2 + Powerball: 693.13 (Prize: $7)
- Match 1 + Powerball: 91.98 (Prize: $4)
- Match Powerball only: 38.32 (Prize: $4)
- Overall Odds of Winning Any Prize: 24.87
Jackpot Payouts: Annuity vs. Cash Value
If you win the Powerball jackpot, you typically have two payout options: an annuity or a lump-sum cash payment. The annuity option pays out the full advertised jackpot amount in 30 graduated payments over 29 years. The cash value option is a single, smaller payment, which is the estimated cash value of the jackpot prize pool. This calculator helps you estimate the cash value payout based on a percentage.
The Power Play Option
For an additional $1 per ticket, you can add the Power Play option. This multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times (the 10x multiplier is only available when the jackpot is $150 million or less). The $1 million prize for matching 5 white balls is always doubled to $2 million with Power Play, regardless of the multiplier drawn. While Power Play increases the cost of your ticket, it significantly boosts the potential winnings for lower-tier prizes.
Important Considerations (Taxes)
It's crucial to remember that all lottery winnings, especially large jackpots, are subject to federal and state income taxes. The amounts calculated here are before any tax deductions. Always consult with a financial advisor and tax professional if you are fortunate enough to win a significant lottery prize.
Responsible Play
Lottery games are a form of entertainment. Please play responsibly and within your means. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available.
Your Powerball Analysis:
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Your Odds of Winning (1 in X):
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