Lottery Probability Calculator
Calculate the odds of matching all numbers in a lottery drawing.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Enter the total numbers in the pool, how many numbers you pick, and the bonus ball pool size (set to 0 if there is no bonus ball). The calculator computes the exact odds using combinations. Default values match Powerball (69 pool, pick 5, 26 bonus).
About This Calculator
Lottery odds are calculated using combinations. For a game where you pick k numbers from n, the odds are 1 in C(n,k). If there is a bonus ball from a separate pool of m, the odds multiply: 1 in C(n,k) * m. These astronomical odds explain why lotteries are extremely difficult to win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the odds of winning Powerball?
Powerball requires matching 5 numbers from 69 plus 1 from 26. The odds are 1 in C(69,5) * 26 = 1 in 292,201,338.
Does buying more tickets improve my odds?
Each ticket is independent. Buying 10 tickets gives you 10 chances, so your odds become 10 in 292 million for Powerball. Still extremely small.
What are the odds of winning any prize?
This calculator shows the jackpot odds (matching all numbers). Lower-tier prizes with partial matches have better odds, which vary by game.