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Powerball Calculators, Odds & Rules

Every Powerball tool in one place — winnings and tax estimates, cash vs annuity comparison, odds by prize tier, and a random number generator — built on the verified game rules below, each with a recorded verification date.

How Powerball works

Numbers
5 white balls from 1–69 + Powerball from 1–26
Ticket price
$2 per play
Drawings
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday — 10:59 p.m. ET
Jackpot odds
1 in 292,201,338
Any-prize odds
1 in 24.87
Payout options
30 graduated payments over 29 years, or lump-sum cash

Rules verified 2026-09-28 against the official Powerball rules. Jackpot winners may take the prize as an annuity paid in 30 graduated payments over 29 years, or as a one-time lump-sum cash payment. For the tax side of a win, see how lottery taxes work by state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Powerball work?

Each $2 play picks 5 white balls from 1–69 and one Powerball from 1–26. Drawings are held Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. Match all six to win the jackpot; nine prize tiers pay from $4 up to the jackpot.

What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?

1 in 292,201,338 — the number of distinct combinations of 5 numbers from 69 plus one Powerball from 26. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.87. The Powerball Odds Calculator shows every tier.

How does the Powerball annuity work?

Jackpot winners may take the prize as an annuity paid in 30 graduated payments over 29 years, or as a one-time lump-sum cash payment. The Powerball Payout Calculator compares both with estimated taxes, using the official annuity structure.

How much tax is taken from Powerball winnings?

Winnings are taxed as ordinary income: federal brackets up to 37% plus your state's tax on lottery winnings (California exempts lottery winnings; several states have no income tax). Federal withholding of 24% applies to winnings over $5,000 but is only a prepayment. Use the Powerball Tax Calculator for an estimate.

What is Power Play?

Power Play is an optional add-on ($1 per play) that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X. It does not apply to the jackpot, and the 10X multiplier is only available when the advertised jackpot is $150 million or less.

Sources & References

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