how-to•6 min read
How to Play Powerball: Rules, Odds, and Winning Guide
By Lottery Insights Team•Updated 2026-10-01
Powerball is one of the world's most famous multi-state lottery games, played across 45 US states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
How Powerball Numbers Work Each standard Powerball ticket costs $2. Players select: 1. **Five white ball numbers** between 1 and 69 2. **One red Powerball number** between 1 and 26
You can choose your own numbers or use the "Quick Pick" option to have a computer randomly select them.
What is the Power Play? For an extra $1 per play, you can add the **Power Play** multiplier. This feature multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x (when the advertised jackpot is $150 million or less). The Match 5 prize with Power Play is always capped at $2,000,000 in cash.
Drawing Schedule Powerball drawings take place three times a week: * **Monday nights** at 10:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) * **Wednesday nights** at 10:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) * **Saturday nights** at 10:59 PM Eastern Time (ET)
Drawings are broadcast live from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Powerball ticket cost?
A standard Powerball play costs $2. Adding Power Play costs an extra $1 per play ($3 total).
What time are Powerball drawings held?
Drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM Eastern Time.
What are the overall odds of winning any prize?
The overall odds of winning any prize in Powerball are approximately 1 in 24.87.
Independent educational resource. USA Lottery Results is not affiliated with MUSL or any government lottery entity.