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Powerball payout calculator & prize chart
Powerball pays on nine prize tiers, from a $4 win on the red ball alone to the rolling jackpot. Headline jackpots are usually quoted as a 30-year annuity or a smaller lump-sum cash option, and large prizes often face 24% federal withholding plus state tax. This Powerball payout calculator and payout chart show tier amounts, Power Play multipliers, cash vs annuity comparisons, a paginated annuity schedule, and optional after-tax estimates by filing status — with CSV/PDF export and no signup. For planning only; not lottery or tax advice.
Powerball payout chart explained
The Powerball payout chart is the official table of prizes for matching white balls and/or the red Powerball on a $2 ticket. Fixed tiers run from $4 (Powerball only) to $1 million (five white balls, no Powerball). The jackpot is pari-mutuel — it changes every draw and is not a fixed chart amount.
Power Play is an optional $1 add-on that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×, or sometimes 10×. It never applies to the jackpot. Match five white balls with Power Play and the prize is $2 million, not a multiplied $1 million.
Use Prize chart mode in the calculator for the live table, odds, Power Play columns, and tier tax estimates. Some California lower-tier amounts differ (pari-mutuel). Confirm current prizes on the official Powerball prize chart.
Prize chart mode
Nine tiers, odds, Power Play sample columns, and after-tax estimates for fixed prizes.
Jackpot payout mode
Advertised jackpot, cash value %, lump sum vs annuity net totals, and 30-year schedule.
Tax settings
Filing status and state of residence for federal and state tax estimates.
CSV/PDF export
Download tier or jackpot summaries — calculations stay in your browser.
Who is this for?
Anyone checking tier payouts, Power Play math, or what a jackpot might look like after taxes — in chart mode for fixed prizes or jackpot mode for cash vs annuity. Helpful for planning, not a replacement for the lottery, a CPA, or your official prize letter.
Matching two white balls only (without the Powerball) does not win. You need at least the red Powerball, or enough white-ball matches shown in the chart (for example three white balls alone pays $7).
Double Play, a separate add-on drawing in some states, is not built into this calculator — use the standard chart and jackpot modes here.
The reference table matches national base amounts in the tool; jackpot size varies each draw. Odds are per $2 play.
| Match | Base prize | Odds (1 in …) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 + Powerball | Jackpot | 292,201,338 |
| 5 | $1,000,000 | 11,688,054 |
| 4 + Powerball | $50,000 | 913,129 |
| 4 | $100 | 36,525 |
| 3 + Powerball | $100 | 14,494 |
| 3 | $7 | 580 |
| 2 + Powerball | $7 | 701 |
| 1 + Powerball | $4 | 92 |
| Powerball only | $4 | 38 |
To model after-tax cash on a fixed prize, choose a tier in Prize chart mode and set an optional Power Play multiplier. The lottery only advertises the 10× multiplier when the jackpot is $150 million or less; you can still select 10× here to see what that payout would look like.
Powerball payout terms explained
Billboard jackpots and prize letters use shorthand. These terms appear throughout the calculator and FAQs.
Advertised jackpot — The big number in the news. It usually reflects the annuity total (30 payments), not the one-check cash option.
Cash option (lump sum) — One payment if you skip the annuity. The lottery sets the amount each drawing — often near 52% of the advertised jackpot. Use the percentage on your prize letter when you claim.
Annuity — The full advertised jackpot in 30 rising payments over 29 years (each about 5% higher than the last). Each payment is taxed when you receive it.
Power Play — Optional multiplier on non-jackpot prizes. Five white balls with Power Play pays $2 million, not 2× $1 million.
Withholding vs what you owe — Lotteries often withhold 24% federal upfront on large prizes; your return may still show tax due or a refund. This page estimates withholding plus likely supplemental federal and state tax. For paycheck tax (not lottery), try our payroll tax calculator or income tax calculator.
| Term | Plain-language meaning |
|---|---|
| Pari-mutuel jackpot | Grand prize pool split among winners; amount changes every draw |
| Cash value % | Share of advertised jackpot paid as lump sum — editable in Jackpot mode |
| Graduated annuity | 30 payments; each about 5% higher than the previous |
| Supplemental federal tax | Estimated extra federal due at filing after 24% withholding |
| Resident state | State selected for lottery income tax estimate (simplified model) |
Lump sum vs annuity
The cash option pays the lottery’s published lump sum in one shot — usually much less than the advertised annuity jackpot. You get flexibility to invest or pay off debt, but a big check can mean heavy withholding and a top federal bracket in that tax year.
The annuity pays the full advertised amount in 30 installments, each about 5% larger than the last. You give up upfront liquidity for a rising income stream and spread taxable income across many years — each payment is still taxed when it arrives.
Neither option wins on taxes every time. State rates, investing skill, spending habits, and estate plans all matter. Jackpot payout mode compares estimated net totals so you can see both sides with your state and filing status.
| Lump sum (cash) | Annuity (30 payments) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-tax total (typical) | Cash value % of advertised jackpot | Full advertised jackpot |
| When you get paid | One payment | First payment soon after claim; then annual installments |
| Tax timing | Large withholding upfront; filing may add more | Tax on each payment in the year received |
| Flexibility | Invest, pay debt, or spend immediately | Predictable rising income; less upfront liquidity |
To model investing a cash payout over time, pair results with our present value calculator, future value calculator, or compound interest calculator. For a game-agnostic annuity schedule (Mega Millions jackpots or custom payment terms), use our lottery annuity calculator; this page focuses on Powerball tiers and rules.
When a lump sum may fit
You want control over investing, debt payoff, or gifts now; you will work with advisors on a large balance; or your resident state has relatively low income tax. Enter the cash value % from your prize notice — not the billboard jackpot alone.
When the annuity may fit
You want steady, rising payments, prefer spreading taxable income over time, or worry about spending a windfall too fast. Payments remain taxable each year; heirs may receive remaining installments under lottery rules — confirm with your claim center.
Powerball annuity calculator
Use this section as a Powerball annuity calculator: it spreads the advertised jackpot into 30 payments, each about 5% higher than the one before. Gross payments add up to the full advertised jackpot before tax.
In Jackpot payout mode, enter the jackpot and cash value %, then open the paginated schedule to see each year’s gross payment and estimated tax. Compare cards summarize lump sum vs annuity net totals; the schedule helps with year-by-year cash flow.
Numbers here are for learning and comparison. Payment dates, rounding, and claim rules come from the lottery — use your official prize letter when you sign.
| Example: $100M advertised jackpot | |
|---|---|
| Sum of 30 gross payments | $100,000,000 |
| First payment (gross, example) | About $1,505,000 |
| 30th payment (gross, example) | About $6,500,000 |
| Cash option at 52% | $52,000,000 lump sum (before tax) |
Schedule vs official quote
Payment dates, rounding, and claim timing come from the lottery — not this page. Use the paginated table in the calculator for education; sign claim forms with numbers from your prize letter only.
Taxes on Powerball winnings
Lottery winnings are taxable income. On large prizes, payers commonly withhold 24% federal when they pay you (IRS Topic 419 — Gambling income). A jackpot can still push you into higher brackets, so you may owe more federal tax at filing. The top marginal rate for 2026 is 37%.
State tax depends on where you live (and sometimes where you bought the ticket). States with no general income tax — such as Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Washington — often do not tax lottery prizes, but always confirm current state rules. High-tax states can take a meaningful share on top of federal.
This calculator uses simplified lottery tax math: no itemized deductions, credits, or local city taxes (for example New York City or Yonkers). Talk to a CPA before claiming a large prize.
Powerball payout after taxes
Billboard amounts are before tax. After federal withholding, state tax, and possible extra tax at filing, many winners keep roughly half to two-thirds of a headline jackpot in high-tax states — sometimes less. Try the $100M or $1B presets in Jackpot mode with your state selected; results are estimates, not guarantees.
Choose your state of residence in chart or jackpot mode for a state tax estimate on lottery gross income. The model is a planning shortcut — not a copy of every state’s lottery withholding table or multi-state residency rules.
Fixed-tier wins still matter for tax planning: for example about $50,000 for 4 + Powerball or $1 million for five white balls. Select that tier in Prize chart mode to see a rough net after withholding and state tax.
Non-U.S. residents and other special cases may face different federal rules (such as 30% flat withholding). This tool is built for typical U.S. resident filers.
| Tax layer | What the calculator models |
|---|---|
| Federal withholding | 24% of gross (standard lottery withholding estimate) |
| Additional federal | Extra federal estimated at filing, after withholding |
| State | State income tax on gross, based on selected residence |
| Local city tax | Not modeled — ask a tax professional if you live in NYC or similar |
How to use this Powerball payout calculator
Results update as you type — no submit button. Default view is Prize chart (tiers, odds, Power Play, and tier tax estimates). Switch to Jackpot payout for lump sum vs annuity nets and the full payment schedule.
Jackpot mode offers presets ($100M, $500M, $1B) and a cash value % field (default 52%). Set filing status and state before reading net figures in the results column.
Open Prize chart mode
Pick a fixed prize tier and optional Power Play multiplier to see gross and estimated net in the results column.
Set filing status and state
Choose federal filing status and your state of residence so tax estimates match your situation.
Compare jackpot options
Switch to Jackpot payout, enter the advertised jackpot and cash value %, and review lump sum vs annuity nets plus the payment schedule.
Export results
Download a CSV or PDF summary. All calculations stay on your device.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Powerball payout chart?
The Powerball payout chart is the official-style table of prize amounts and odds for each match on a $2 ticket — from the rolling jackpot down to a $4 win when only the red Powerball matches. In this tool, Prize chart mode shows those nine tiers, Power Play sample columns, and optional after-tax estimates for fixed prizes.
How many numbers do you need to win a Powerball prize?
You need a winning combination on the chart — at minimum the red Powerball alone ($4), up to five white balls plus the Powerball for the jackpot. Two white balls with no Powerball win nothing. Odds of any prize are about 1 in 24.87 per $2 play; the jackpot is about 1 in 292.2 million.
How much do you win if you only match the Powerball?
The base prize is $4 before Power Play. With a 3× multiplier, that becomes $12. Federal withholding generally applies to lottery prizes over $5,000, so a $4 win usually has no withholding — but you may still report it on your tax return. Select the Powerball-only tier in Prize chart mode to see an estimated net in your state.
What is Power Play and how does it affect payouts?
Power Play is a $1 add-on that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×, or sometimes 10×. It never applies to the jackpot. Match five white balls with Power Play and you win $2 million, not 2× $1 million. The lottery typically offers 10× only when the advertised jackpot is $150 million or less.
Is it better to take a lump sum or annuity after taxes?
It depends on your situation. The cash option is smaller upfront but you control the money; the annuity pays the full advertised total in 30 rising payments and spreads tax over many years. Neither wins on taxes every time — state rates, investments, and spending matter. Compare estimated nets in Jackpot payout mode with your state selected.
What is the federal tax on Powerball winnings?
Expect 24% federal withholding on many large lottery payments, plus possible extra federal tax when you file if the prize pushes you into higher brackets. For 2026, the top marginal federal rate is 37%. Lottery winnings are taxable gambling income under IRS rules.
Do all states tax Powerball winnings?
No. States without a general income tax — such as Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Washington — often do not tax lottery prizes, but confirm your state’s current rules. Other states tax lottery income at different rates. Choose your state in the calculator for a planning estimate; it is not a substitute for official state withholding tables.
How does the Powerball annuity work?
The annuity pays the advertised jackpot in 30 payments over 29 years, each about 5% larger than the previous one. Gross payments add up to the full headline jackpot before tax. Jackpot payout mode builds the schedule and shows estimated tax on each installment — useful as a Powerball annuity calculator for comparison, not an official lottery quote.
What is the cash option percentage for Powerball?
It changes every drawing. The cash option is usually close to 52% of the advertised annuity jackpot, but the exact percentage depends on interest rates and ticket sales. Enter the cash value % from your prize letter in Jackpot payout mode, or start from the default and adjust.
How much is a $1 billion Powerball jackpot after taxes?
Nowhere near $1 billion net. Use the $1B preset in Jackpot mode with your filing status and state to see estimated lump-sum and annuity nets. After 24% withholding, state tax, and possible additional federal at filing, a lump sum is often on the order of hundreds of millions — still life-changing, but not the billboard number.
How much of a Powerball jackpot do you keep after taxes?
There is no fixed percentage. Your net depends on cash vs annuity, state, filing status, and total income for the year. Many winners in high-tax states keep roughly half to two-thirds of a headline jackpot on a lump sum after withholding and estimated state tax. Use Jackpot mode with your state for a personalized estimate.
Are California Powerball payouts different from other states?
Some lower-tier amounts can differ. California uses pari-mutuel prizes on certain non-jackpot tiers, so they may not match the national chart. Jackpot claim options and taxes still apply. Treat this page as the standard national reference and verify amounts with the California Lottery.
Is this Powerball payout calculator tax or legal advice?
No. Results are estimates for learning and planning. Withholding rules, state laws, and claim deadlines change. Work with a qualified tax professional and your state lottery before claiming. You can export CSV or PDF summaries from the tool for your own records — no account required.
What is the difference between tax withholding and what I owe?
Withholding is tax withheld when you are paid — often 24% federal on large lottery prizes. What you owe for the year depends on all income, deductions, and credits. You may owe more at filing or get a refund if too much was withheld.
Does this calculator work for Mega Millions?
Prize tiers: Powerball only. Mega Millions has its own chart and add-ons. For a graduated annuity schedule, lump sum vs annuity compare, and custom payment terms for Mega Millions or other games, use our lottery annuity calculator.