How to Play Pick 4: Rules, Odds & Every Play Type
Pick a 4-digit number, choose a play type, and win up to $5,000 for $1. A complete guide to Pick 4 rules, every play type explained, the full odds table, and how Pick 4 compares to Pick 3.
- August 28, 2026
- 8 min read
- #Pick 4
- #Pick 3
- #How To Play
- #Lottery Odds
Pick 4 is a state lottery game where you choose a 4-digit number (0000–9999) and a play type. Tickets cost $0.50 or $1. Drawings are held twice daily. Match your number Straight and win up to $5,000 on a $1 bet — with odds of 1 in 10,000. Box bets win in any order at odds as good as 1 in 417.
Pick 4 works just like Pick 3 — but with four digits instead of three. Each digit is drawn independently from 0–9, giving you 10,000 possible combinations instead of 1,000. The higher difficulty comes with a proportionally higher top prize: up to $5,000 on a $1 Straight bet, versus $500 for Pick 3.
This guide covers everything: the basics, every play type explained, the full odds and prize table, box types, expected value, how Pick 4 compares to Pick 3, and tips for smarter play.
The Basics of Pick 4
Pick 4works like Pick 3 but with 4 digits instead of 3. Each digit is independently drawn from 0–9 using a separate ball machine. You pick a 4-digit number, choose a play type, and win if your number matches the drawn result according to your play type's rules.
Draws happen twice daily — midday and evening — in most participating states. There is no rollover jackpot: every draw pays a fixed prize. This makes Pick 4 a predictable, fast-paced game you can play every day.
How to Buy a Pick 4 Ticket
Buying a Pick 4ticket takes about 30 seconds at any authorized lottery retailer or on your state's lottery app. Here is the step-by-step process.
Every Pick 4Play Type — Odds & Prizes
The play type you choose changes your odds dramatically — from 1 in 10,000 (Straight) to 1 in 417 (24-Way Box). Here is the complete table.
| Play Type | Win Condition | Odds (1 in…) | Prize ($1 bet) | Prize ($0.50 bet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | Exact order | 10,000 | $5,000 | $2,500 |
| Box — 4-Way | Any order (3 same digits, e.g. 1-1-1-2) | 2,500 | $1,198 | $599 |
| Box — 6-Way | Any order (2 pairs, e.g. 1-1-2-2) | 1,667 | $800 | $400 |
| Box — 12-Way | Any order (1 pair + 2 different, e.g. 1-1-2-3) | 833 | $400 | $200 |
| Box — 24-Way | Any order (all 4 digits different, e.g. 1-2-3-4) | 417 | $200 | $100 |
| Straight/Box (24-way) | Exact: $2,700 | Any order: $100 | 10,000 / 417 | up to $2,700 | N/A |
| Combo — 24-Way | Any order (24 Straight tickets) | 417 | $5,000 | N/A |
* Prizes shown are standard payouts. Some states vary. Combo ticket cost = number of arrangements × $1 per Straight ticket.
Pick 4 Box Types Explained
The number of box arrangements depends entirely on how many of your digits repeat. More repeated digits means fewer possible arrangements — and a higher payout per arrangement.
3 identical digits + 1 different
2 pairs of matching digits
1 pair + 2 different digits
All 4 digits are different
Expected Value of Pick 4 Bets
Like all lottery games, Pick 4 returns less than you wager on average. All play types return approximately $0.48–$0.50 per $1 wagered.
| Bet Type | Expected Value per $1 |
|---|---|
| Straight | $0.50 |
| 24-Way Box | $0.48 |
| 12-Way Box | $0.48 |
| 6-Way Box | $0.48 |
| 4-Way Box | $0.48 |
Bottom line: No Pick 4 bet has a positive expected value. The lottery is entertainment — play responsibly with money you can afford to lose.
Pick 4 vs Pick 3
Pick 4 is the natural step up from Pick 3 — same rules, one extra digit. Here is how the two games compare side by side.
Bottom line: Pick 3 wins more often (better odds). Pick 4 pays more per win. For casual or beginning players, Pick 3 Box is the most forgiving entry point. Move to Pick 4 when you are comfortable and want to chase higher prizes.
Which States Offer Pick 4?
Pick 4is available across US states and Canadian regions, including New York (Win 4), Georgia (Cash 4), Florida (Pick 4), Pennsylvania (Pick 4), New Jersey (Pick 4), Ohio (Pick 4), Virginia (Pick 4), Ontario (Pick 4), and many others. Click any location below to see live hot & cold digits for that game.
United States
Tips for Smarter Pick 4 Play
These won't change the underlying odds — every draw is random — but they will help you make better decisions when choosing your numbers and play type.
Pick 4 Statistics on Lottorios
Lottorios tracks Pick 4 draw data across US states and Canadian regions — showing you which digits are drawn most frequently, which are coldest, and which are statistically overdue. The data updates automatically after every official draw.
If you want to combine strategy with data, start with Pick 4 hot & cold numbers and Pick 4 overdue numbers — both updated live from Lottorios draw history.