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Dice Probabilities

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Abstract

You're playing Monopoly with a friend, and you've already got Park Place and you really, really want to get Boardwalk. If you're on Pacific Avenue, what are the chances you'll reach your goal? Here's an easy project that will show you how to find out.

Summary

Areas of Science
Pure Mathematics
Difficulty
Method
Scientific Method
Time Required
Average (6-10 days)
Material Availability
Readily available
Cost
Very Low (under $20)
Safety
No issues
Credits
Science Buddies is committed to creating content authored by scientists and educators. Learn more about our process and how we use AI.

Objective

The purpose of this project is to test the probabilities of rolling certain combinations of dice in roll-playing games. Are you more likely to roll a sum of at least 18 with 3 ten-sided dice or 5 six-sided dice?

Terms and Concepts

In order to properly do this experiment, you will need to understand the basics of probability theory.

Bibliography

This site specifically talks about applying probability theory to rolling dice:
http://mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/56498.html

Materials and Equipment

Experimental Procedure

Download PDF of Procedure
This project follows the Scientific Method. Review the steps before you begin.
Procedures:
  • Roll each combination of dice 100 times.
  • Record the results of each roll.
  • Determine the probability of getting a sum higher than 18 for each combination of dice when rolling each combination 100 times.
  • Which combination has a higher probability and was this true when you rolled them?
icon scientific method

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Global Goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

This project explores topics key to Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for allZ.

Variations

Test the probabilities of getting 21 using a deck of cards.

Careers

If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring these related careers:

Statistician
Career Profile
Statisticians use the power of math and probability theory to answer questions that affect the lives of millions of people. They tell educators which teaching method works best, tell policy-makers what levels of pesticides are acceptable in fresh fruit, tell doctors which treatment works best, and tell builders which type of paint is the most durable. They are employed in virtually every type of industry imaginable, from engineering, manufacturing, and medicine to animal science, food… Read more
Actuary
Career Profile
Life is full of risks to both people and property. Actuaries predict the chances that future negative events will occur in a person's life, and then think of ways to reduce those chances, or reduce the impact of those negative events. Actuaries help bring peace of mind to both families and to businesses. Read more

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Cite This Page

General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.

MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "Dice Probabilities." Science Buddies, 20 Nov. 2020, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Math_p001/pure-mathematics/dice-probabilities?from=Home. Accessed 3 June 2026.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2020, November 20). Dice Probabilities. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Math_p001/pure-mathematics/dice-probabilities?from=Home


Last edit date: 2020-11-20

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