The odds of winning the US Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338. But where does this number come from?
It comes from the “Game Matrix”: you must choose 5 numbers from a pool of 69 (White Balls) and 1 number from a pool of 26 (Red Powerball). Use the visualizer below to see how these variables create the odds.
Analyze the Powerball Matrix
To replicate the Powerball calculation in the tool above, enter:
- Total Numbers (N): 69
- Pick Count (K): 5
- Bonus Pool: 26
- Bonus Pick: 1
Why is it so hard to win?
The difficulty comes from the multiplication of probabilities.
The odds of matching the 5 white balls are roughly 1 in 11.2 million.
The odds of matching the red ball are 1 in 26.
Multiply them together: 11,238,513 x 26 = 292,201,338.
What if the rules changed?
You can use the calculator to see why lotteries love adding numbers. Try changing “Total Numbers” from 69 to 70. The odds instantly jump to 1 in 313 million. Adding just one ball makes the jackpot significantly harder to hit.