How to Check if You Won Powerball
Step-by-Step
1. Find the drawing date on your ticket
Your ticket has one or more drawing dates printed on it. Each date corresponds to a separate drawing — check each one.
2. Look up the official winning numbers
Find the winning numbers for the drawing date. You can use our results archive to look up any Powerball drawing back to 2021, or check the official state lottery website. Always verify the numbers against an official source before claiming.
3. Compare your numbers
Look at your five white numbers and your Powerball number. Compare them to the winning numbers — the order doesn't matter for the white balls, only how many of them match.
4. Look up your prize tier
Match your ticket to the prize table below.
| Your Match | Base Prize |
|---|---|
| All 5 white + Powerball | Jackpot |
| All 5 white only | $1,000,000 |
| 4 white + Powerball | $50,000 |
| 4 white only | $100 |
| 3 white + Powerball | $100 |
| 3 white only | $7 |
| 2 white + Powerball | $7 |
| 1 white + Powerball | $4 |
| Just the Powerball | $4 |
| Anything else | No prize |
If you added Power Play to your ticket, multiply any non-jackpot prize by the Power Play multiplier shown on that drawing's official result (Match-5 is capped at $2,000,000 with Power Play).
5. Claim your prize (if you won)
Sign the back of your ticket immediately. Small prizes (usually under $600) can be redeemed at any licensed lottery retailer. Larger prizes must be claimed through your state lottery — see step 5 in the FAQ for details on where.
Don't wait. Claim deadlines vary by state, ranging from 90 days to 1 year. Missed deadlines mean forfeited prizes.
Use the Tracker to Check All Your Saved Tickets at Once
The Powerball Lottery Tracker can automatically check every ticket you've saved against every official drawing, calculate your total winnings across every tier, and email or push-notify you the moment one of your saved tickets wins. Sign in to use it.
What NOT to Do
- Don't lose the ticket. Signed tickets can be claimed by whoever holds them. Photograph both sides as insurance.
- Don't post your ticket on social media. Anyone can screenshot the barcode and try to claim it.
- Don't trust unofficial "checker" sites. Verify winning numbers only against official state lottery or Powerball.com sources.
- Don't accept help from strangers if you think you won a large prize. Talk to a lawyer and financial advisor first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my Powerball ticket won?
Find the drawing date printed on your ticket. Look up the winning numbers for that date — you can use our tracker's win-check tool or check the official state lottery website. Compare each of your five white numbers and the Powerball. Matching any combination in the prize table wins a prize.
Where can I find official Powerball winning numbers?
Official winning numbers are posted after each drawing on Powerball.com, on your state lottery's website, and at any licensed lottery retailer. Our tracker also displays official numbers after every drawing.
How long do I have to claim a Powerball prize?
Claim deadlines vary by state, ranging from 90 days to 1 year after the drawing date. Check your state lottery's rules immediately — some states have shorter windows than others. Do not wait.
Where do I claim a Powerball prize?
Prizes under $600 can usually be redeemed at any licensed retailer. Prizes between $600 and $50,000 typically require going to a state lottery claim center. Prizes above $50,000, including the jackpot, must be claimed at your state lottery's headquarters. Sign the back of your ticket first and photograph both sides.
Do I have to pay taxes on Powerball winnings?
Yes. Powerball prizes over $600 are federally taxable, and larger prizes have federal tax withheld automatically. Most states also tax lottery winnings; a few do not. Consult a tax professional before claiming a large prize.
Can I check my ticket anonymously?
You can check the winning numbers anonymously — no one has to see your ticket. But when you claim a prize, most states require your name and photo to become public record. A few states allow anonymous winners; check your state's rules if privacy matters to you.