How to Use Mini Cactpot Calculator
The Mini Cactpot Calculator helps you make the best scratchcard choice in Final Fantasy XIV’s Gold Saucer minigame. Enter the numbers you have already scratched on the 3×3 grid, and the calculator instantly shows which line has the highest expected prize.
- Enter Known Numbers — Type the numbers (1-9) you have already revealed into the corresponding grid cells. Leave unknown cells empty.
- Choose Display Currency — Select a currency for the prize display. MGP shows the in-game Manderville Gold Saucer Points; other currencies are for reference only.
- Review Line Analysis — The Mini Cactpot Calculator displays every row, column, and diagonal with its maximum possible prize and expected value.
- Pick the Best Line — The line highlighted as “Best Line” has the highest expected value and is the mathematically optimal scratch choice.
The Mini Cactpot Calculator updates in real time as you enter numbers, so you can quickly adjust your strategy after each scratch reveal.
Formula & Theory — Mini Cactpot Calculator
The Mini Cactpot Calculator uses combinatorial enumeration to analyze every possible arrangement of the remaining numbers.
Prize Table
The official Mini Cactpot prize table maps each possible sum (6-24) to an MGP reward:
Sum 6 → 10,000 MGP Sum 16 → 72 MGP
Sum 7 → 36 MGP Sum 17 → 180 MGP
Sum 8 → 720 MGP Sum 18 → 119 MGP
Sum 9 → 360 MGP Sum 19 → 36 MGP
Sum 10 → 80 MGP Sum 20 → 306 MGP
Sum 11 → 252 MGP Sum 21 → 1,080 MGP
Sum 12 → 108 MGP Sum 22 → 144 MGP
Sum 13 → 72 MGP Sum 23 → 1,800 MGP
Sum 14 → 54 MGP Sum 24 → 3,600 MGP
Sum 15 → 180 MGPExpected Value Calculation
For each line with unknown cells, the calculator:
- Identifies which numbers are already placed and which remain available.
- Generates all permutations of the available numbers for the empty cells.
- Computes the sum for each permutation and looks up the prize.
- Calculates the expected value:
E[prize] = sum of all prizes / number of permutations. - Reports the maximum possible prize and the expected value.
| Metric | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Max Prize | The highest MGP reward achievable if the hidden numbers are the best possible |
| Expected Prize | The average MGP reward across all equally likely arrangements |
| Possible Prizes | All distinct prize values that could result from the remaining permutations |
Strategy Insight
The Mini Cactpot Calculator recommends the line with the highest expected value. This is the optimal long-run strategy: over many games, choosing the highest expected value line yields the most MGP on average.
Use Cases for Mini Cactpot Calculator
The Mini Cactpot Calculator is essential for any FFXIV player who wants to maximize their Gold Saucer earnings:
- Daily scratchcard optimization — Use the calculator every day when you play the Mini Cactpot to consistently pick the best line.
- Learning the game — New players can use the Mini Cactpot Calculator to understand how the prize table works and which sums are most valuable.
- Speed runs — Experienced players can quickly verify their intuition with a calculator check before scratching the final line.
- MGP farming — Over hundreds of plays, the expected value advantage from using the calculator adds up to thousands of bonus MGP.
The Mini Cactpot Calculator turns a game of chance into a game of informed decisions, helping you earn more MGP with every scratchcard.