Magic 8 Ball

Ask the magic 8 ball

This magic 8 ball is an online take on the fortune telling toy. Ask a yes or no question, shake the ball, and an answer appears in the little window. It uses the 20 classic responses, from “It is certain” to “Very doubtful”. Think of it as a party trick and an icebreaker. It is for fun only, and its answers are not advice.

How to use the magic 8 ball

1. Think of a question with a yes or no answer, such as “Will it rain on Saturday?”
2. Type it in the box under the ball if you like. This step is optional.
3. Press Shake, click the ball, or press Enter.
4. The ball wobbles for a moment and the answer fades in.
5. Look at Past answers to see every question and answer from this visit.

The 20 answers

The answers fall into three groups.

Positive (10)

• It is certain
• It is decidedly so
• Without a doubt
• Yes definitely
• You may rely on it
• As I see it, yes
• Most likely
• Outlook good
• Yes
• Signs point to yes

Noncommittal (5)

• Reply hazy, try again
• Ask again later
• Better not tell you now
• Cannot predict now
• Concentrate and ask again

Negative (5)

• Don’t count on it
• My reply is no
• My sources say no
• Outlook not so good
• Very doubtful

Each answer is equally likely. With 10 of the 20 on the positive side, about half of all shakes come back with some kind of yes. A quarter tell you to ask again, and a quarter say no.

Ways to play

• Party game. Pass the phone around and let each guest ask one question out loud. Silly questions work best.
• Sleepovers and road trips. Kids can ask whether the dog secretly talks or whether there will be pizza tonight.
• Icebreakers. At the start of a class or meeting, each person asks the ball a light question about the week ahead.
• Writing prompts. Ask a question on behalf of a story character, then write the scene that follows from the answer.
• Tiny choices. For something that truly does not matter, like which mug to use, let the ball weigh in. A coin flip is better for a straight 50/50.

Random, and just for fun

Each answer is chosen with your browser’s cryptographic random generator (crypto.getRandomValues). The ball does not read your question. The words you type have no effect on the answer, and nothing is sent anywhere. Because the result is pure chance, please do not treat it as guidance. For anything that matters, talk it over with someone you trust or a qualified professional.

When you want a plain yes or no with a spinning wheel instead, try the yes or no wheel.

This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mattel, the maker of the Magic 8 Ball toy.