In the title complex, C5H16N22+·2C6H2N3O7−, the two picrate anions lie almost parallel to each other and have possible π–π interactions between them. One of the anions is involved in limited N—H⋯O bonds, whereas the other engages in extensive N—H⋯O and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. Tilting of one of the ortho nitro groups in the picrate anion is influenced by the N—H⋯O hydrogen bond. The dimethylaminopropylammonium and picrate ions are linked through N—H⋯O and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the crystallographic b axis. The anions form near-helical columns along the b axis owing to the presence of a 21 screw and are separated by nearly linear cationic chains.