Pick 3/4/5/6 Lottery Odds Calculator
Calculate odds for Pick lottery games
Formula:
Straight = Range^Pick, Box = Straight ÷ WaysGame Configuration
Set up your Pick lottery game
Usually 10 (digits 0-9)
Enter your numbers to calculate box ways based on repeated digits
Pick 3 Odds
Your winning probabilities
Straight Odds
1 in 1.0K
Exact match
All Play Types Comparison
| Play Type | Odds | Est. Payout ($1) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | 1 in 1.0K | $500 | $1 |
| Box (6-way) | 1 in 167 | $83 | $1 |
| Straight/Box | 1 in 167 | $83 - $500 | $2 |
| Combo | 1 in 167 | $500 | $6 |
Total Combinations
1,000
Box Ways
6
Digit Pattern
1-1-1
Your Selection
Straight
Tip: Pick games offer much better odds than big jackpot lotteries. Pick 3 Straight (1 in 1,000) is 292,000× more likely to win than Powerball (1 in 292 million).
Common Pick Game Scenarios
Load typical Pick lottery configurations
Quick Answer
TL;DR summary
Pick lottery odds depend on the game type. Pick 3 Straight: 1 in 1,000. Pick 3 Box (all different digits): 1 in 167. Pick 4 Straight: 1 in 10,000. Pick 4 Box: 1 in 417. Box plays improve odds but reduce payouts. Straight means exact order, Box means any order, Combo covers all possible arrangements.
Key Facts About Pick Lotteries
Important things to know
- Pick 3 Straight odds: 1 in 1,000 (payout ~$500)
- Pick 3 Box (6-way): 1 in 167 (payout ~$80)
- Pick 4 Straight odds: 1 in 10,000 (payout ~$5,000)
- Pick 4 Box (24-way): 1 in 417 (payout ~$200)
- Repeated digits reduce box ways and change odds
- Most states offer Pick 3 and Pick 4 games daily
- Typical ticket cost: $0.50 or $1.00 per play
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Pick lottery questions
What is the difference between Straight and Box?
Straight requires exact order (123 wins only on 123). Box wins in any order (123 wins on 123, 132, 213, 231, 312, 321). Straight has worse odds but higher payouts. Box has better odds but lower payouts since the prize is split among more winning combinations.
How do repeated digits affect box odds?
Repeated digits reduce possible arrangements. For Pick 3: all different = 6 ways, double (112) = 3 ways, triple (111) = 1 way. For Pick 4: all different = 24 ways, one pair = 12 ways, two pairs = 6 ways, triple = 4 ways, quad = 1 way.
What is a Combo play?
A Combo bet covers all possible arrangements of your numbers for the price of multiple straight bets. For Pick 3 with all different digits, a Combo costs 6× a single straight bet but guarantees you win if your numbers are drawn in any order.
What is a Straight/Box play?
Straight/Box is a combination bet that wins a larger amount if exact order matches (straight portion) and a smaller amount if the numbers match in any order (box portion). It costs twice a single straight bet.
Are Pick 3/4 games better than big lotteries?
Yes, significantly better odds. Pick 3 Straight (1 in 1,000) vs. Powerball (1 in 292 million). However, prizes are much smaller (hundreds vs. millions). Pick games are better for frequent smaller wins; big lotteries are for rare life-changing jackpots.
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).