Powerball prizes and odds
Powerball has 9 prize tiers. The jackpot needs all 5 numbers plus the Powerball (1 in 292,201,338); the easiest prize is the Powerball alone (1 in 38), worth US$4. The odds of winning anything are 1 in 24.87.[1]
1Prize chart and odds
| Match | Prize | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 5 + Powerball | Jackpot | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| 5 | US$1,000,000 | 1 in 11,688,054 |
| 4 + Powerball | US$50,000 | 1 in 913,129 |
| 4 | US$100 | 1 in 36,525 |
| 3 + Powerball | US$100 | 1 in 14,494 |
| 3 | US$7 | 1 in 580 |
| 2 + Powerball | US$7 | 1 in 701 |
| 1 + Powerball | US$4 | 1 in 92 |
| Powerball only | US$4 | 1 in 38 |
2Prizes with Power Play
Power Play costs US$1 extra per play. Before each draw a multiplier (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x or 10x) is picked and applied to non-jackpot prizes. 10x is only in play when the advertised jackpot is US$150 million or less. With Power Play, 5 matches always pay US$2 million.[1]
| Match | 2x | 3x | 4x | 5x | 10x |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | US$2,000,000 | US$2,000,000 | US$2,000,000 | US$2,000,000 | US$2,000,000 |
| 4 + Powerball | US$100,000 | US$150,000 | US$200,000 | US$250,000 | US$500,000 |
| 4 | US$200 | US$300 | US$400 | US$500 | US$1,000 |
| 3 + Powerball | US$200 | US$300 | US$400 | US$500 | US$1,000 |
| 3 | US$14 | US$21 | US$28 | US$35 | US$70 |
| 2 + Powerball | US$14 | US$21 | US$28 | US$35 | US$70 |
| 1 + Powerball | US$8 | US$12 | US$16 | US$20 | US$40 |
| Powerball only | US$8 | US$12 | US$16 | US$20 | US$40 |
3What each match pays
- 1 number
- Nothing without the Powerball; US$4 with it.
- 2 numbers
- Nothing without the Powerball; US$7 with it.
- 3 numbers
- US$7 without the Powerball; US$100 with it.
- 4 numbers
- US$100 without the Powerball; US$50,000 with it.
- 5 numbers
- US$1 million without the Powerball (US$2 million with Power Play); the jackpot with it.
- Powerball only
- US$4, even with no white balls matched.
In California all prizes are pari-mutuel and can be lower than the chart.
4The jackpot: annuity or cash
The advertised jackpot is the value of an annuity: one immediate payment and 29 yearly payments that grow 5% a year. A winner who takes the cash option receives the money backing that annuity, typically 45–50% of the advertised figure.[2] A non-resident winner normally has 30% US federal tax withheld, plus any state tax where the ticket was bought; residents of treaty countries may be able to reclaim the federal part.[3]
Work out the net in rand with the prize calculator. Records: the 10 biggest jackpots.
5Frequently asked questions
How much do you win with 3 numbers on Powerball?
US$7 without the Powerball; US$100 with it.
How much do you win with 2 numbers on Powerball?
Nothing without the Powerball; US$7 with it.
How much is the Powerball on its own worth?
US$4, even with no white balls matched.
What is Power Play and is it worth it?
Power Play costs US$1 more per play and multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 (10x only when the advertised jackpot is US$150 million or less). Five matches pay US$2 million. It does not affect the jackpot.
Are the lower prizes fixed?
Yes, except in California, where by law all prizes are pari-mutuel and depend on sales and the number of winners.
How much is a US$1 million prize in rand?
Use the prize calculator: it converts at today's exchange rate and subtracts US withholding.
Sources
- Powerball. "Prizes and Odds", official prize chart. powerball.com
- Powerball. "FAQs": draw time, non-resident purchases and claiming prizes. powerball.com
- IRS. Publication 515, "Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities": 30% withholding and treaty exemptions. irs.gov