How to Play Powerball
The Basics
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game. To play, you pick five white numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. If your ticket matches all six numbers drawn on a given night, you win the jackpot. Matching fewer numbers wins smaller prizes.
Every combination has the same probability of being drawn. There is no "hot," "cold," or "lucky" set of numbers — the odds of picking the winning combination are the same whether you use meaningful dates, ask for a Quick Pick, or write down whatever numbers come to mind.
Ticket Price
Power Play is an optional add-on that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×, or 10×. Read our guide to decide whether it's worth the extra dollar.
Drawing Days & Times
Powerball drawings happen three times a week:
| Day | Drawing Time (Eastern) |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:59 PM ET |
| Wednesday | 10:59 PM ET |
| Saturday | 10:59 PM ET |
Ticket sales close before each drawing, but the exact cutoff varies by state (typically 45–90 minutes before the drawing). Check with your local retailer.
Prize Tiers
Powerball has nine prize tiers. Even matching just the red Powerball wins a $4 prize.
| Match | Base Prize |
|---|---|
| 5 white + Powerball | Jackpot |
| 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 |
| Powerball only | $4 |
Full odds for each tier are covered in our Powerball odds guide. To see whether your ticket won a specific drawing, use our ticket-checking guide.
Where to Buy Tickets
Buy Powerball tickets in person from any licensed lottery retailer in your state. Powerball is currently sold in 45 US states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. See a full state-by-state breakdown.
Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah do not sell Powerball tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Powerball ticket cost?
A single Powerball play costs $2. Adding the optional Power Play multiplier is an extra $1 per line, bringing the total to $3.
What days are Powerball drawings held?
Powerball drawings are held three times a week — Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights at 10:59 PM Eastern Time.
How do I pick Powerball numbers?
Choose five white numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. You can pick them yourself or ask the retailer for a Quick Pick, which selects them randomly. Every combination has identical odds — no set of numbers is more likely to win than another.
Where can I buy Powerball tickets?
Powerball tickets are sold at licensed lottery retailers in 45 US states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah do not sell Powerball tickets. Some states allow licensed courier apps to purchase tickets on your behalf.
What is the minimum age to play Powerball?
The minimum age is 18 in most states, but a few states require players to be 21. Always check the rules for your specific state.
What time do Powerball sales close?
Ticket sales close before each drawing, but the exact cutoff varies by state — usually between 45 and 90 minutes before the 10:59 PM Eastern drawing. Check with your local retailer or state lottery for the exact cutoff time in your state.