Do 2 Numbers Win on Thunderball? Prizes and Payout Information
Understanding how potential prizes work in the UK’s Thunderball lottery can clear up a lot of confusion when results are announced. Many players wonder whether matching two numbers is worth anything, or how the Thunderball differs from other National Lottery games.
This guide explains how the game is structured, what each number combination means, and how prizes are awarded. It also looks at the odds, payout process, and what makes the Thunderball unique.
Whether you’re curious about the smaller possible wins, or want to understand how the £500,000 top prize works, this overview may help you follow the game with more confidence.
How Thunderball Works and What Makes It Different
The Thunderball is one of the UK’s official National Lottery games. Each line costs £1 and gives you one chance to enter a draw. You select five main numbers between 1 and 39, and one Thunderball number between 1 and 14.
Draws take place four times a week — on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
What makes the Thunderball distinct is its fixed prize system. Each prize tier pays the same amount every draw, regardless of ticket sales or how many players win. For example, if several people match all five main numbers and the Thunderball, each winner receives the full £500,000. The top prize does not roll over to the next draw, which makes the Thunderball somewhat predictable in how any rewards are paid.
Do You Get Anything for 2 Numbers on the Thunderball?
If you match two main numbers only, you don’t receive a prize. A payout is made only if your combination includes the Thunderball or if you match at least three main numbers.
- Two main numbers + the Thunderball = £10
- One main number + the Thunderball = £5
- Three main numbers (without the Thunderball) = £10
These prize values are set by the National Lottery operator and are the same for every draw unless the official structure changes.
Thunderball Prize Tiers Explained
There are nine possible winning combinations in the Thunderball, each with a fixed cash amount and specific odds.
- 5 main numbers + the Thunderball: £500,000 (odds of 1 in 8,060,598)
- 5 main numbers: £5,000 (odds of 1 in 620,046)
- 4 main numbers + the Thunderball: £250 (odds of 1 in 47,416)
- 4 main numbers: £100 (odds of 1 in 3,648)
- 3 main numbers + the Thunderball: £20 (odds of 1 in 1,437)
- 3 main numbers: £10 (odds of 1 in 111)
- 2 main numbers + the Thunderball: £10 (odds of 1 in 135)
- 1 main number + the Thunderball: £5 (odds of 1 in 35)
- Thunderball only: £3 (odds of 1 in 29)
These figures are fixed and not affected by the number of players or total ticket sales. However, in the unlikely event that the total prize payout exceeds four times the ticket sales for a draw, the operator may reduce certain prizes — though this is extremely rare.
How Are Thunderball Payouts Calculated?
Thunderball prizes are pre-determined cash values, not a share of a prize fund. If you win, you receive the full amount linked to your combination. For instance, every player who matches four main numbers receives £100, no matter how many other people might also win that tier.
- Each winner is paid the full listed amount.
- Prizes are issued as a lump sum.
- All winnings are tax-free in the UK.
- Players have 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize.
Because of this system, Thunderball payouts remain consistent and easy to understand, making it clear what you could win for each result.
Thunderball Odds and Chances of Winning
Every Thunderball draw is random. Each number combination has an equal chance of being drawn. The odds of winning the top prize — matching all five main numbers plus the Thunderball — are 1 in 8,060,598.
The chance of winning any prize across all tiers is roughly 1 in 13.
A few examples:
- Matching only the Thunderball (for £3): 1 in 29
- Matching three main numbers and the Thunderball (for £20): 1 in 1,437
- Matching four main numbers (for £100): 1 in 3,648
Lotteries are games of chance. There is no strategy, pattern, or method that can influence the outcome or secure a win. Each draw is independent of the one before it.
Tips for Checking Your Thunderball Results Accurately
After each draw, you can view results through the official National Lottery website, mobile app, or at participating retailers. To ensure accuracy, compare your ticket with both sets of winning numbers — the five main numbers and the Thunderball.
When checking manually:
- Mark off each number carefully.
- Keep your ticket in a safe place until you’ve confirmed your result.
- If in doubt, ask a retailer to scan your ticket.
All prizes must be claimed within the official deadline. Any unclaimed winnings are transferred to projects supported by National Lottery funding.
The Thunderball is a game of chance, and outcomes can’t be predicted. If you decide to play, it may help to set clear spending limits and only use money you can comfortably part with. There’s no guaranteed way to win, and every draw offers a new, random result.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
