How many permutations does a 4D number have?
A 4D number has 24, 12, 6 or 4 permutations, depending on how many of its digits repeat. Da Ma Cai’s iBOX table gives 24 / 12 / 6 / 42 for these four patterns:
| Pattern | Example | Permutations |
|---|---|---|
| Four different digits | 1928 | 24 |
| One pair | 1128 | 12 |
| Two pairs | 1991 | 6 |
| Three of a kind | 1999 | 4 |
To count them yourself, start from 24 (the orderings of four different digits) and divide by 2 for each pair and by 6 for a triple. A number like 8888 has only one ordering2, so it cannot be boxed. Da Ma Cai lists the six orderings of 1991 as 1991, 9119, 1199, 9911, 1919 and 91912.
What is the difference between iBox and a full Box bet?
The difference is the stake and the prize. An iBox costs RM1 in total and divides the prize by the number of orderings; a full Box costs RM1 for each ordering and pays the full prize on whichever one is drawn.
| Detail | iBox (mbox, iBOX, i-Perm) | Box (permutate) |
|---|---|---|
| Stake | RM1 for all orderings3 | RM1 x orderings: RM24, 12, 6 or 43 |
| Prize if one ordering wins | Straight prize divided by orderings | Full prize on that combination3 |
| Example: 1991 Big, drawn as 1st prize | RM1 stake, wins RM417 | RM6 stake, wins RM2,500 |
Da Ma Cai’s own example of 1991 uses iBOX for RM12 against a RM6 Box bet2 on the same number.
How much does a 4D iBox win per RM1?
A RM1 4D iBox wins between RM3 and RM625 on Big, and between RM42 and RM875 on Small, depending on the tier and the number of orderings. Big iBox per RM1:
| Permutations | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Special | Consolation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | RM105 | RM42 | RM21 | RM8 | RM3 |
| 12 | RM209 | RM84 | RM42 | RM15 | RM5 |
| 6 | RM417 | RM167 | RM84 | RM30 | RM10 |
| 4 | RM625 | RM250 | RM125 | RM45 | RM15 |
Small iBox per RM1 (top three prizes only):
| Permutations | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | RM146 | RM84 | RM42 |
| 12 | RM292 | RM167 | RM84 |
| 6 | RM584 | RM334 | RM167 |
| 4 | RM875 | RM500 | RM250 |
The tables are the same at Magnum3, Da Ma Cai2 and Sports Toto1. For larger stakes, multiply by the ringgit amount, or use the 4D prize calculator, which counts the permutations for you.
How are 4D iBox prizes worked out?
Each 4D iBox prize is the straight prize divided by the number of permutations and rounded up to the next whole ringgit. Magnum says only that the prize is scaled down by the number of combinations3; the rounding is our own check against the published table. For example, RM2,500 divided by 24 is RM104.17, and the table shows RM105. Small 1st prize: RM3,500 divided by 24 is RM145.83, shown as RM146.
What do Magnum, Da Ma Cai and Sports Toto call iBox?
Each operator uses a different name for the same RM1 all-orderings bet: Magnum calls it mbox, Da Ma Cai iBOX, and Sports Toto i-Perm mbox / iBOX / i-Perm3. Magnum also labels the bet by its count, so 1234 bought as mbox3 is an mbox24. Da Ma Cai prints IB24, IB12, IB6 or IB4. Ask for the operator’s own term at the outlet so the ticket is printed as you intend.
What is a 4D Roll bet?
A 4D Roll bet fixes three digits and runs the fourth through 0 to 9, giving 10 numbers. Magnum writes it as three digits plus R and charges RM10, RM1 per generated combination3. Da Ma Cai’s Roll is also RM102. Each of the 10 numbers is a normal straight bet, so a winning one pays the full prize.
Is iBox or Box the better choice?
iBox and Box suit different budgets rather than one being better: iBox covers every ordering for RM1 at a reduced prize, Box costs up to 24 times more for the full prize. Neither changes how likely the draw is to match your digits. For the basic bets, read Big vs Small; for buying and claiming, how to play 4D; for the operators, the 4D lottery guide. If you are spending more than you planned, see our responsible gambling page.