How to Play Powerball
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game. The core objective is to match numbers from two separate pools. This section breaks down the simple steps to playing the game, providing the basic knowledge needed to understand the data visualizations that follow.
Pick Your Main Numbers
Select five numbers from a pool of 1 to 69. These are the "white balls." You can choose your own numbers or opt for a "Quick Pick" to have them randomly selected for you.
Choose the Powerball
Select one number from a separate pool of 1 to 26. This is the red "Powerball." This number can be the same as one of your main numbers.
Add Power Play (Optional)
For an additional cost, you can add the "Power Play" feature, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times.
Example Ticket
A typical Powerball selection consists of five white balls and one red Powerball.
Interactive Number Analysis
This is the core of the dashboard. While lottery drawings are random, analyzing historical data can reveal which numbers have been drawn more or less frequently over time. Use the controls below to explore the frequencies of both the main white balls and the red Powerball numbers.
Odds & Prizes
Winning Powerball is a game of long odds. The table below outlines the different ways to win a prize and the statistical probability for each tier. The prize amounts shown are approximate base values and can be multiplied with the Power Play feature.
| Match | Prize | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| 5 White Balls + Powerball | Jackpot | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| 5 White Balls | $1,000,000 | 1 in 11,688,054 |
| 4 White Balls + Powerball | $50,000 | 1 in 913,129 |
| 4 White Balls | $100 | 1 in 36,525 |
| 3 White Balls + Powerball | $100 | 1 in 14,494 |
| 3 White Balls | $7 | 1 in 580 |
| 2 White Balls + Powerball | $7 | 1 in 701 |
| 1 White Ball + Powerball | $4 | 1 in 92 |
| Powerball Only | $4 | 1 in 38 |
Overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9.
A Note on Randomness
It is crucial to remember that every Powerball drawing is an independent, random event. The frequency data presented here is historical and does not influence future outcomes. Each number has an equal chance of being drawn in every new game. This tool is for informational and entertainment purposes only.
Test Your Knowledge
Ready to check your understanding of the Powerball game? Take this short quiz based on the information presented in this dashboard.