Football Squares Payouts
Football squares payouts are simple once the split is set. Use the calculator to work out each prize, then pick the split that suits your group.
| Prize | Share | Amount |
|---|
How do football squares payouts work?
The money from all the squares forms the prize fund. The fund is split across 4 checkpoints: the end of the 1st quarter, halftime, the end of the 3rd quarter and the final score. The owner of the winning square at each checkpoint gets that share. The host sets the split before kickoff.
What are the most common football squares payout splits?
The even split pays 25% at each checkpoint and is the easiest to explain. Many groups pay the final score more, with 20%, 20%, 20% and 40%. Some reward the 2 halves, with 12.5%, 25%, 12.5% and 50%. A final only game pays 100% to one winner.
| Split | 1st quarter | Halftime | 3rd quarter | Final score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Even | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | Casual groups and first games |
| Bigger final | 20% | 20% | 20% | 40% | Keeping interest to the end |
| Halftime and final | 12.5% | 25% | 12.5% | 50% | Rewarding each half |
| Final only | 0% | 0% | 0% | 100% | One big prize |
How much does each square pay?
Multiply the cost per square by the number of squares sold to get the prize fund, then apply the split. With 100 squares at $5, the fund is $500. An even split pays $125 at each checkpoint. A 20, 20, 20, 40 split pays $100 three times and $200 for the final score.
| Cost per square | Prize fund (100 squares) | Each checkpoint, even split | Final score, 20-20-20-40 split |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1 | $100 | $25 | $40 |
| $2 | $200 | $50 | $80 |
| $5 | $500 | $125 | $200 |
| $10 | $1,000 | $250 | $400 |
| $20 | $2,000 | $500 | $800 |
How do payouts work for a fundraiser?
A fundraiser keeps a set share for the cause and pays the rest as prizes. A common choice is half and half. With 100 squares at $10, the group collects $1,000, keeps $500 and pays $500 in prizes. Tell every player the share before they take a square.
In the calculator, lower the share paid as prizes to see both amounts. The football squares fundraiser page covers the rest.
What happens to the payout if nobody owns the winning square?
Agree on this before the game. The usual rule is that the prize carries over to the next checkpoint, so the next winner gets both shares. If the final score lands on an empty square, most groups split that share evenly among the earlier winners.
Do football squares payouts change in overtime?
In most groups they do not. The final prize goes to the square that matches the final score, with overtime included. Some hosts add a 5th prize for the end of the 4th quarter. If you want that, take a small share from the final prize and say so before kickoff.
What other payout ideas do groups use?
- Reverse score. A small prize for the square with the 2 digits swapped.
- Touching squares. A small prize for the squares next to the final winner.
- Prizes instead of money. Gift cards, snacks or a trophy work well for families, schools and offices.
Football Squares Payouts FAQ
What is the most common payout split in football squares?
The even split, with 25% at each of the 4 checkpoints. The 20, 20, 20, 40 split is also popular because the final score pays the most.
How much is the prize fund with 100 squares at $5?
It is $500. An even split pays $125 at each checkpoint.
Should the final score pay more?
Many groups think so, because it keeps every player interested until the game ends. An even split is simpler and just as fair.
Can one square win more than one payout?
Yes. If the same 2 digits come up at more than one checkpoint, the same square wins each time.
Does the host keep a share?
In a friendly game, no. All the money goes back to the players as prizes. A fundraiser keeps a share for the cause and says so up front.
Are paid games allowed everywhere?
No. Rules on paid pools differ from state to state. Check your local rules first, or play for prizes or for fun.
Can we play football squares without money?
Yes. The game works the same way with small prizes or with no prizes at all.
Set your football squares payouts
Pick a split, write it under the grid and tell every player before kickoff. That is all football squares payouts need. Ready to start? Create a grid online or print a grid, and see the rules for the other choices a host makes.
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