How Do You Win the Powerball?

Written by Jackpot Staff

Updated: March 3, 2026

Powerball is one of the most exciting lottery draw games in the US, with massive jackpots, country-wide accessibility, and weekly hype. The reason most lottery players take part is obvious: for a chance of winning big. But Powerball offers more than huge jackpots to lottery players. It also offers smaller prize tiers, as well as multiple chances to win each week, with drawings held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

Jackpot.com’s in-depth guide tells you all about how Powerball works, what it takes to win, and how you can maximize your experience when playing.

How Exactly Does Powerball Work?

Powerball is a pretty simple game, and winning involves matching a series of numbers drawn from two number sets. Here’s how you play:

• Choose Main Numbers: Select five numbers from 1 to 69.
• Pick a Powerball: One additional Powerball number from 1 to 26.
• Add Power Play: There’s also the option for Power Play, which can increase the size of any non-jackpot prize that you win. Standard Powerball tickets are $2, and the Power Play is an additional $1.
• Pick Draw Dates: Then it’s time to test your luck with three drawings per week.
• Enjoy the draw, collect prizes: On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:59 p.m. ET, Powerball drawings are held in Tallahassee, Florida. Winning numbers are updated live on the Powerball website, but you can also view them right here on Jackpot.com.

Each drawing reveals a combination of winning numbers, and the more numbers you potentially match, the more you can win. In order to win the Powerball jackpot, a player must match all five numbers and the Powerball. Other cash prizes are awarded for matching fewer numbers.

How Many Numbers Do You Need to Win the Powerball?

The short answer is all of them. Players must match all five numbers in any order plus the Powerball to win the jackpot. However, there are additional prize tiers that allow you to win smaller amounts. For instance:

• Match the Powerball only to win a prize of $4
• Match one number plus the Powerball to also win $4
• As you match more numbers, prizes increase by scale. Matching all five numbers but not the Powerball results in a $1 million prize.

With nine different prize tiers, players have several ways to win even if they don’t win the jackpot.

If You Win the Powerball, How Do You Collect Your Winnings?

If you win a Powerball prize, the method of claiming it depends on the prize amount and the state in which you are playing. Smaller winnings, typically up to $600, can often be claimed at authorized retailers while prizes above this amount may need to be claimed in person. Jackpot winners have the choice between a lump-sum payment or an annuity. Winners who select to receive the annuity opinion receive their winnings across 30 installments and each year the payment increases 5%.

When playing on Jackpot.com, smaller prizes under $600 are usually deposited directly into your account. For significant winnings, Jackpot.com assists with securely transferring the ticket to the winner to ensure proper claiming.

What is a Power Play?

Power Play is an additional option that increases the payout of non-jackpot prizes for an extra $1 per play. Ranging from 2x to 10x, the multiplier can double the $1 million prize if a player matches 5 numbers in a base scenario, which is what happened to one lucky Jackpot.com winner not long ago.

What Are the Odds of Winning the Powerball?

Your odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are lesser than the odds of winning a prize of any size or smaller amounts.

• Matching all five numbers plus the Powerball wins the jackpot: 1 in 292,201,338
• Matching 5 numbers but not the Powerball wins $1 million: 1 in 11,688,053
• Matching 4 numbers plus the Powerball wins $50,000: 1 in 913,129
• Your odds of winning a prize of any size are about 1 in 25. Specific odds at each prize tier vary based on how many numbers a player matches, with odds decreasing as matched numbers increase.

Frequently Asked Questions About Powerball

Can You Play Powerball Online?

Yes, Powerball tickets can be ordered online in select states through platforms like Jackpot.com. This allows players to skip trips to physical retailers and manage their tickets electronically.

What Happens if I Only Match the Powerball?

Players who match the Powerball but no additional numbers win $4. Additional prize levels are available by matching one or more white balls.

What’s the Largest Powerball Jackpot in History?

The luckiest player to win a Powerball jackpot won a prize of $2.04 billion following a drawing held in November of 2022. The winning ticket was sold at a gas station in Los Angeles.

What Is the Difference Between Lump-Sum and Annuity Payouts?

The lump sum is a single cash payout, compared to an annuity which is paid annually over 30 installments. Winners may select either option depending on their preference to collect winnings. Generally, the lump sum is a lesser amount than the total paid out as an annuity.

Where Can I Watch Powerball Drawings?

Powerball drawings are broadcast on television in many markets and can also be viewed live on the Powerball website.

What States Don’t Have Powerball?

Only five U.S. states do not offer Powerball: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.

With Powerball's enormous jackpots and various ways to win, it’s easy to see why millions of Americans participate. Remember to play responsibly, and always check with trusted sites like Jackpot.com for up-to-date information on the latest Powerball drawings and prizes.