Powerball Odds Calculator
Calculate your exact Powerball winning odds and expected value
Formula:
Odds = C(69,5) × 26 = 292,201,338Powerball Entry
Enter jackpot and ticket count
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Your Powerball Analysis
Based on 1 ticket(s)
Your Jackpot Odds
1 in 292.2M
0.00000034% chance
Any Prize Odds
1 in 25
4.02% chance
Ticket Cost
$2
Expected Value
-$2
Return Rate
20.9%
House Edge
79.1%
All Prize Tiers
| Match | Prize | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 5 + PB | $100,000,000 | 1 in 292.2M |
| 5 | $1,000,000 | 1 in 11.7M |
| 4 + PB | $50,000 | 1 in 913.1K |
| 4 | $100 | 1 in 36.5K |
| 3 + PB | $100 | 1 in 14.5K |
| 3 | $7 | 1 in 580 |
| 2 + PB | $7 | 1 in 701 |
| 1 + PB | $4 | 1 in 92 |
| PB | $4 | 1 in 38 |
Reality Check: Even with a $100,000,000 jackpot, your expected return is only -$2 (losing 79% on average). You're more likely to be struck by lightning than win the jackpot.
Jackpot Scenarios
Quick-start with common scenarios
Quick Answer
Powerball jackpot odds are 1 in 292,201,338. You pick 5 white balls (1-69) and 1 red Powerball (1-26). Overall odds of winning ANY prize are 1 in 24.87. The expected value of a $2 ticket is typically -$0.80 to -$1.00 (losing 40-50% on average), even with huge jackpots.
Key Facts
- Jackpot odds: 1 in 292,201,338 (5 white balls + Powerball)
- Overall odds of ANY prize: 1 in 24.87
- Ticket cost: $2 base, $3 with Power Play
- Drawings: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET
- Jackpot starts at $20 million, grows until won
- Cash option is typically 50-60% of advertised jackpot
- Federal tax withholds 24%, state taxes vary (0-13%)
- Power Play multiplies non-jackpot prizes 2x-5x (10x at $150M+)
FAQ
What are my odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are exactly 1 in 292,201,338. This is calculated by multiplying the combinations for white balls C(69,5) = 11,238,513 by the Powerball options (26), giving 292,201,338 total combinations.
Is Powerball ever a good bet mathematically?
Rarely. The expected value of a $2 ticket is typically negative (-$0.80 to -$1.00). Theoretically, when the jackpot exceeds roughly $600M+ (depending on ticket sales and split probability), EV could turn positive. However, at those levels, more tickets are sold, increasing jackpot-splitting probability.
Should I take the lump sum or annuity?
The lump sum (cash option) is typically 50-60% of the advertised jackpot. Mathematically, taking the lump sum and investing wisely often beats the annuity, especially if you can earn more than the ~5% the lottery invests at. However, annuity protects against spending mistakes.
What is Power Play and is it worth it?
Power Play costs $1 extra and multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x (10x only when jackpot is under $150M). Mathematically, Power Play has slightly negative EV but can be worthwhile if you value the increased smaller prizes.
How are Powerball numbers drawn?
Powerball uses two separate machines with two separate sets of balls. Five white balls are drawn from a drum of 69 balls, then one red Powerball is drawn from a drum of 26 balls. The drawings are independently audited.
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).