Powerball prize chart and Power Play, explained
Powerball has nine ways to win, from $4 for matching the red ball alone to the jackpot for matching all six numbers. Below is every prize level with its odds, what the $1 Power Play option changes, and what each prize means at tax time. Figures come from the prize chart published by Powerball and from state lottery game pages.
The Powerball prize chart
All prizes below the jackpot are fixed cash amounts, except in California (see below). "PB" means the red Powerball.
| You match | Prize | Odds (1 in) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 + PB | Jackpot | 292,201,338 |
| 5 | $1,000,000 | 11,688,053.52 |
| 4 + PB | $50,000 | 913,129.18 |
| 4 | $100 | 36,525.17 |
| 3 + PB | $100 | 14,494.11 |
| 3 | $7 | 579.76 |
| 2 + PB | $7 | 701.33 |
| 1 + PB | $4 | 91.98 |
| PB only | $4 | 38.32 |
The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.87, based on a $2 play. Source: Powerball prize chart.
Two things stand out. First, the odds against the jackpot are close to 1 in 292 million, so the chart is mostly a list of small prizes. Second, matching four white balls without the Powerball pays only $100, the same as three white balls plus the Powerball, even though it is harder to do.
What Power Play adds
Power Play is an add-on that costs $1 per play. Before each draw a multiplier is drawn: 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x or 10x. If you added Power Play, every non-jackpot prize you win is multiplied by that number, with one exception: the $1 million Match 5 prize becomes $2 million with Power Play, whatever multiplier is drawn.
| Base prize | 2x | 3x | 4x | 5x | 10x |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000,000 | $2M | $2M | $2M | $2M | $2M |
| $50,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 | $200,000 | $250,000 | $500,000 |
| $100 | $200 | $300 | $400 | $500 | $1,000 |
| $7 | $14 | $21 | $28 | $35 | $70 |
| $4 | $8 | $12 | $16 | $20 | $40 |
The jackpot is never multiplied. Power Play only changes the fixed prizes.
When the 10x multiplier is in play
The 10x multiplier is only available when the advertised jackpot is $150 million or less. The chances of each multiplier are set by the lottery:
| Multiplier | Jackpot $150M or less | Jackpot above $150M |
|---|---|---|
| 2x | 24 in 43 | 24 in 42 |
| 3x | 13 in 43 | 13 in 42 |
| 4x | 3 in 43 | 3 in 42 |
| 5x | 2 in 43 | 2 in 42 |
| 10x | 1 in 43 | not available |
In plain words: more than half the time the multiplier is 2x, and the big multipliers are rare. Power Play raises what you win if you hit a fixed prize; it does not change your odds of winning one.
California is different
In California, Powerball prizes below the jackpot are pari-mutuel. That means the amount depends on ticket sales and the number of winners in the state, so a California Match 5 prize can be more or less than $1 million. Check the California Lottery for California prize amounts. California does not tax California Lottery prizes; see our California guide.
The jackpot: annuity or cash
A jackpot winner chooses between an annuity, paid in 30 graduated payments over 29 years, and a single lump-sum cash payment. The cash amount is much smaller than the advertised jackpot. Read how lottery cash value is calculated and our lump sum vs annuity guide.
How each prize is taxed
Every Powerball prize is taxable income, but the paperwork changes with the size of the prize:
- $4 to $1,000: no form and no withholding, but the winnings are still income to report on your return.
- $2,000 and up (payments in 2026): the lottery issues Form W-2G. See Form W-2G explained.
- More than $5,000 after the ticket cost: 24% federal tax is withheld when you claim. That covers the $50,000 prize, every Power Play version of it, the $1 million and $2 million prizes and the jackpot.
- Large prizes: the $1 million or $2 million Match 5 prize pushes most winners into the top federal bracket of 37% for 2026, so 24% withheld will not cover the full bill.
Most states that tax income also tax lottery prizes, and some withhold state tax when you claim. Use the calculator or our every-state table to see the difference.
Example: a $2 million Power Play prize
Suppose you match five white balls with Power Play in a state with no lottery tax, such as Texas. You win $2 million. The lottery withholds 24%, or $480,000, and pays you about $1.52 million. At the top federal rate of 37% your federal bill would be about $740,000, so you should set aside roughly $260,000 more for tax time. Your real bill depends on your other income and deductions; ask a tax professional.
Common questions
Is Power Play worth $1?
It only matters if you win a fixed prize. It raises the payout on those prizes but not your chance of winning, and it never touches the jackpot. Whether it is worth it is your call; we do not recommend buying any lottery product.
How long do I have to claim a Powerball prize?
It depends on the state that sold the ticket. For example, the Texas Lottery says tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the draw, while the Pennsylvania Lottery allows one year for draw games. Check your state lottery.
Does Double Play change these prizes?
Double Play is a separate add-on offered in some states, with its own drawing and prize chart. It is not covered here.
Sources
- Powerball prize chart and Power Play odds
- Florida Lottery: Powerball ($2 play, Power Play $1)
- Texas Lottery: Powerball (annuity, 180-day claim period)
- Pennsylvania Lottery winners guide (claim periods)
- IRS Instructions for Forms W-2G and 5754
Prize amounts and odds checked in November 2026. The lottery can change its rules; the published prize chart always prevails. This guide is general information, not tax advice.