Super Bowl Squares Payouts: Common Splits and Examples
Updated: November 10, 2026 | By Meyer Roy
Super Bowl squares payouts are usually split across 4 winners, one at the end of each quarter. The 2 most common splits are 25% per quarter, or 20% for each of the first 3 quarters and 40% for the final score.
You can also play for fun, for small prizes or for a good cause.
Write your payout rule on the free Super Bowl squares template before the game starts. To work out the prizes, use the Super Bowl squares payout calculator.
How do Super Bowl Squares Payouts Work?
Super Bowl squares payouts work by dividing the prize into 4 parts, one for each quarter. At the end of the 1st quarter, halftime, the 3rd quarter and the game, the square that matches the last digit of each team’s score wins that part of the prize.
The host decides the split before kickoff and writes it on the grid. Not sure how a winner is found? See how Super Bowl squares work.
What are the Most Common Super Bowl Squares Payouts?
The most common Super Bowl squares payouts are an even split of 25% per quarter and a split of 20%, 20%, 20% and 40% that rewards the final score. Some groups pay more at halftime and the final, and a few pay the whole prize on the final score.
| Split | 1st quarter | Halftime | 3rd quarter | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Even split | 25% ($25) | 25% ($25) | 25% ($25) | 25% ($25) |
| Bigger final | 20% ($20) | 20% ($20) | 20% ($20) | 40% ($40) |
| Halftime and final | 12.5% ($12.50) | 25% ($25) | 12.5% ($12.50) | 50% ($50) |
| Final only | 0% | 0% | 0% | 100% ($100) |
Dollar amounts are an example with a $100 prize pot.
How Much Does Each Quarter Pay With 100 Squares?
With 100 squares, each quarter pays 20 times the cost of one square under the 20%, 20%, 20% and 40% split, and the final pays 40 times. At $5 per square, the prize pot is $500: $100 for each of the first 3 quarters and $200 for the final.
| Cost per square | Prize pot | 1st, halftime and 3rd (20% each) | Final (40%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1 | $100 | $20 each | $40 |
| $5 | $500 | $100 each | $200 |
| $10 | $1,000 | $200 each | $400 |
| $20 | $2,000 | $400 each | $800 |
Example figures with all 100 squares filled and the whole pot paid out as prizes.
What are Reverse and Touching Squares Payouts?
Reverse and touching squares payouts are extra small prizes that give more players a win. A reverse winner holds the same 2 numbers with the teams swapped. Touching squares are the squares directly next to the winning square.
- Reverse winner: the score ends 7 and 4, so the square with top 4 and side 7 also wins a smaller prize.
- Touching squares: the 4 squares above, below, left and right of the winner share a small prize.
- Every score change: a small prize is paid each time the score changes, instead of once per quarter.
Extra prizes come out of the same pot, so lower the quarter prizes to match.
What Happens if the Winning Square is Empty?
If the winning square is empty, most Super Bowl squares games use a rollover. A rollover means the unclaimed prize moves to the next quarter and is added to that prize. If the final square is empty, the prize usually goes to the nearest filled square or is shared by all players.
Choose one rule before kickoff and write it on the grid. The Super Bowl squares rules page has a short list you can copy. A full grid avoids the problem, so try to fill all 100 squares.
How do Payouts Work in a Super Bowl Squares Fundraiser?
In a Super Bowl squares fundraiser, only part of the money is paid out as prizes and the rest goes to the cause. A common choice is 50% for prizes and 50% for the school, team or charity. The prize half is then split by quarter as usual.
The Super Bowl squares fundraiser guide has the steps and example totals.
Final and quarter scores are confirmed by the NFL. See the NFL’s Super Bowl page for official game details.
Super Bowl Squares Payouts FAQ
What is the standard payout for Super Bowl squares?
There is no single standard. The most common splits are 25% per quarter, or 20%, 20%, 20% and 40%.
Does halftime or the 2nd quarter pay?
They are the same thing. The halftime prize uses the score at the end of the 2nd quarter.
Does overtime count for the final payout?
In most games, yes. The final prize uses the final score, including overtime.
Can one square win more than one payout?
Yes. If the last digits repeat at the end of another quarter, the same square wins again.
Do you have to play Super Bowl squares for money?
No. Many groups play for fun, for bragging rights or for small prizes such as snacks and gift cards.
When should the payout rule be decided?
Before any square is filled. Write the split on the grid so every player sees it.
Super Bowl Squares Payouts, in Short
Super Bowl squares payouts go to 4 winners, most often as 25% per quarter or 20%, 20%, 20% and 40%. Pick one split, write it on the grid and agree on the empty-square rule before kickoff.
Get the free Super Bowl squares template, which has a line for each quarter’s prize.
Free Super Bowl Squares does not run pools or handle money. Squares is a game of chance, and rules on games with prizes differ by state and country.