Understand the result
Lottery Odds, Explained
Change a match outcome and see how its probability is calculated. Keep the game, number format and drawing session separate.
An educational calculation · one entry, one drawing
Explore a match probability
5 main-number matches · matching Powerball
1 in 292,201,3380.00000034223% per entry in one drawing.
5 main numbers are drawn from 69, with a separate bonus pool of 26. Main-number order does not matter.
Exact matches use the hypergeometric probability: C(drawn, matched) × C(pool − drawn, drawn − matched) ÷ C(pool, drawn). A separate bonus pool is then accounted for.
Rule date used: 2026-11-03. This calculation describes a number match, not a prize amount, ticket validation or prediction. Not every match category wins a prize. Previous results and number preferences do not improve the next drawing’s probability.
Why the format matters
Matching unordered balls, matching a separate bonus ball and matching ordered digits are different events. The explorer uses the relevant format for the selected game and rule date. For older Mega Millions drawings, it retains the Mega Ball range that applied at the time.
Independent drawings do not compensate for past results. A number that has not appeared recently does not become due. These probabilities describe the drawing model, not a strategy for winning.
Primary game sources
- Powerball rules and number pools
- Mega Millions rules, odds and separate Mega Ball
- Millionaire for Life game format
- NYS Gaming Commission — Lottery rules, including Lotto, Numbers, Win 4, Take 5 and Pick 10
The calculations are derived from the stated number pools. The issuing lottery’s rules determine tickets, prizes and claims.