Magic 8 Ball
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Type a yes-or-no question, then shake the ball. One of 20 answers appears: 10 lean yes, 5 are noncommittal and 5 lean no, each with the same 1 in 20 chance. It is a random game for fun, not advice.
How to use the magic 8 ball
- Type a question that can be answered yes or no.
- Press Shake (or tap the ball).
- Read the answer in the window. Your recent questions and answers are listed below.
The probability behind the ball
The online ball has 20 answers, each equally likely. Ten are positive, five are noncommittal and five are negative, so:
- P(positive) = 10/20 = 1/2
- P(noncommittal) = 5/20 = 1/4
- P(negative) = 5/20 = 1/4
The chance of getting two positive answers in a row is 1/2 × 1/2 = 1/4, and of a specific answer twice in a row, 1/20 × 1/20 = 1/400.
How the classic toy works
The original toy holds a 20-sided die (an icosahedron) floating in dark liquid. Each face carries an answer, and the face that floats up against the window is the one you read. An icosahedron is one of the five Platonic solids: 20 identical equilateral triangle faces, 30 edges and 12 vertices.
Magic 8 Ball is a trademark of its owner. This page is an independent simulator with its own answers.
Probability quiz: 10 questions
Test yourself with 10 multiple-choice questions. Choose an answer and press Submit to see if you are right and why. Your score appears at the end.
Quiz complete
Frequently asked questions
Is the magic 8 ball real?
It is a real toy and a fun random game. Its answers are chance, not predictions, so do not use it for real decisions.
How many answers are there?
This simulator has 20: 10 yes-leaning, 5 noncommittal and 5 no-leaning, like the classic toy's balance.
Is every answer equally likely?
Yes. Each has a 1 in 20 chance on every shake.
What should I ask?
Any yes-or-no question, like “Will it rain tomorrow?” For questions that matter, ask a person you trust.
What shape is inside the toy?
An icosahedron, a 20-sided solid with triangular faces.
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