All 20 Magic 8 Ball Answers and the Odds of Each
The Magic 8 Ball looks like an oversized pool ball, but inside the window floats a 20-sided die in dark blue liquid. Each face carries one answer, so every shake gives one of exactly 20 possible replies. Here is the full list, sorted the way the die is designed, and what it means for your odds.
The 20 answers at a glance
| Yes (10) | Maybe (5) | No (5) |
|---|---|---|
| It is certain. | Reply hazy, try again. | Don't count on it. |
| It is decidedly so. | Ask again later. | My reply is no. |
| Without a doubt. | Better not tell you now. | My sources say no. |
| Yes, definitely. | Cannot predict now. | Outlook not so good. |
| You may rely on it. | Concentrate and ask again. | Very doubtful. |
| As I see it, yes. | ||
| Most likely. | ||
| Outlook good. | ||
| Yes. | ||
| Signs point to yes. |
What are the odds?
Because the die has 20 faces and each lands face-up about equally often, the odds follow directly from the split above:
- A yes-type answer: 10 in 20, or 50%.
- A non-committal answer: 5 in 20, or 25%.
- A no-type answer: 5 in 20, or 25%.
- Any one specific answer, such as "It is certain": 1 in 20, or 5%.
So the ball is twice as likely to say yes as no. If you ignore the "ask again" answers and shake until you get a firm reply, two out of three firm replies will be a yes. That is part of its charm: it leans optimistic.
How the answer die works
The die is an icosahedron, a solid with 20 triangular faces. It floats in coloured liquid inside the ball. When you turn the ball window-side up, the die rises until one face presses against the window, and the answer printed in raised letters on that face shows through. If the die settles at an angle, you may see a blurred or partial answer; a gentle tilt usually brings it flat.
Getting a better answer
- Ask a clear yes or no question. "Should I order pizza tonight?" works; "What should I eat?" does not.
- Shake gently and turn the window up slowly, so the die can settle flat.
- Decide in advance whether you will accept the first answer or keep asking until you get a firm one.
- Treat it as a fun nudge, not advice. For anything important, think it through yourself.
A short history
The toy grew out of fortune-telling devices made in the United States in the 1940s, and took its famous black 8 ball shape around 1950. It has stayed in production ever since and is made today by Mattel. Read more in our article on the history of the Magic 8 Ball.
Try it online
Our free online Magic 8 Ball gives you the classic experience in your browser, and the Yes or No Button gives a plain 50/50 yes or no if you want even odds.
FAQ
How many answers does a Magic 8 Ball have?
20. Ten are positive, five are non-committal and five are negative.
What are the odds of getting yes from a Magic 8 Ball?
50%. Ten of its 20 answers are a form of yes, so it says yes twice as often as no.
What is the rarest Magic 8 Ball answer?
None. Each of the 20 answers has the same 1 in 20 (5%) chance.
Why does my Magic 8 Ball show a blurry answer?
The 20-sided die has settled at an angle or a bubble is in the way. Tilt the ball gently so a face lies flat against the window.