US Powerball Cash vs. Annuity Calculator

Powerball describes one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments, each increasing by 5%. The calculator scales this progression to the annuity jackpot entered. Actual amounts can be affected by final prize values and rounding.

The cash option reflects the underlying amount available to fund the annuity. The advertised annuity includes payments over time. Enter the actual published cash option rather than assuming it is always half of the jackpot.

Comparing totals alone does not account for timing, tax circumstances, investment risk or spending needs. This tool explores assumptions and does not recommend a payout option.

You enter one assumed effective rate. It is applied to the cash payout and every annuity instalment. This is a simplified illustration, not a federal, state, local or non-resident tax calculation. Withholding and final tax liability are different.

The cash prize after assumed prize tax is invested immediately. Each annuity instalment after assumed prize tax is invested when received. Both grow at the same constant net annual return, with no spending or withdrawals. The first row is time zero; the last row is 29 years later. Returns are hypothetical and can be negative.

Without investments, the chart compares cumulative prize receipts. With investments, it compares projected portfolio balances on matching dates. Receipts and investment balances are different measures; neither includes inflation adjustments.

No. The presets and default cash value are demonstration scenarios. You can enter the published jackpot and cash option manually. There is no live data feed connected.