Magic 8 ball online
Think of a yes-or-no question, type it in if you like, and press Shake the ball. The ball answers with one of the 20 classic replies, from It is certain to Very doubtful, and tells you whether that reply counts as a yes, a no or a non-committal answer.
Ask a yes-or-no question, then shake.
How to use the magic 8 ball
Ask a yes-or-no question
The answers only make sense for questions like “Will we win on Saturday?” or “Should I start the book tonight?”. Questions with several possible answers will get confusing replies.
Type it or keep it secret
Typing the question is optional. If you do, it is shown with the answer, which is handy for screenshots. Press Enter in the box to shake.
Shake and read
Press Shake the ball. After a short shake, the answer appears in the window, with a note saying whether it is a yes, a no or a non-committal reply.
What answers can the magic 8 ball give?
This version uses the traditional set of 20 answers, and every one of them is equally likely on each shake. They fall into three groups:
- 10 affirmative: 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
- 5 non-committal: Reply hazy, try again · Ask again later · Better not tell you now · Cannot predict now · Concentrate and ask again
- 5 negative: Don't count on it · My reply is no · My sources say no · Outlook not so good · Very doubtful
That split means the ball is more optimistic than a coin. On any shake there is a 50% chance of a yes-type answer, 25% of a no and 25% of a "try again". If you want a plain 50/50, use the random yes or no generator instead.
Where does the magic 8 ball come from?
The toy grew out of a fortune-telling device built in the 1940s by Albert C. Carter, who was inspired by his mother's work as a clairvoyant. Carter and his business partner Abe Bookman developed and sold it, and Carter patented the design during that decade. Around 1950 it was given the look of a black billiard ball with an 8 on it, and that shape stuck.
Inside the physical toy, a twenty-sided die floats in dark liquid, and whichever face drifts up against the window is your answer. The brand is owned by Mattel today. SpinDecide's online version is an independent tribute and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mattel.
Good questions to ask the 8 ball
The ball is at its best with light, fun questions where any answer makes a good story:
- Will I finish this puzzle before bedtime?
- Is today a good day to try a new recipe?
- Will our team score first?
- Should we watch the scary film?
- Will the cat sit on my keyboard today?
At parties, pass a phone round and let each guest ask one question aloud. Our list of yes or no questions is a good source if people get stuck. For anything that really matters, treat the answer as entertainment, not advice.
Can I make my own magic 8 ball answers?
Not on this page, which always uses the classic twenty. The magic 8 ball wheel starts with the same answers on a spinner, and you can edit, delete or add replies, change their colours and share your version with a link. It works well for a class or a stream that wants in-jokes as answers.
Why does it say "Reply hazy, try again"?
That is one of the five non-committal answers, and it comes up about one shake in four across the group. It is part of the fun: the ball refuses to answer and you have to ask again. If you prefer an answer every time, the should I wheel sticks to decisive replies.
Frequently asked questions
Is the online magic 8 ball random?
Yes. Each shake picks one of the 20 answers at random, and each answer has the same 1 in 20 chance. Earlier answers do not affect the next shake, so asking again gives a fresh answer.
How many answers does the magic 8 ball have?
Twenty: ten affirmative, five non-committal and five negative. That makes a yes-type answer twice as likely as a no-type answer on any shake, and a “try again” reply as likely as a no.
Do I have to type my question?
No. You can simply think of it and press Shake the ball. If you type it, the question appears with the answer, which is useful for sharing a screenshot. Questions can be up to 140 characters.
Who invented the magic 8 ball?
It came from a fortune-telling device created by Albert C. Carter in the 1940s and developed with his partner Abe Bookman. It took its 8-ball shape around 1950 and is now a Mattel brand. This site is not affiliated with Mattel.
Can I change the answers?
Not on this page. Open the magic 8 ball wheel instead, where you can edit the replies, add your own, and share the customised wheel with a link. It starts with the same classic answers as this ball.