Part of the complete guide: Lottery odds: the complete guide
The rules in short
Mega Millions is played in most US states, Washington DC and the US Virgin Islands. You choose five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24, or take a quick pick. Draws are on Tuesday and Friday nights. Since April 2025, tickets cost $5 and include a multiplier in the price instead of the old $1 Megaplier add-on.
The multiplier (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x or 10x) applies to non-jackpot prizes on every play, so the base $1 million prize for five white balls can be worth up to $10 million. The jackpot is not multiplied. Check the official site for how the multiplier is applied and for the current prize table, because the structure can change.
How to play
- 1Choose your five numbers and Mega Ball, or ask for a quick pick. Our Mega Millions number generator can make up to 20 lines.
- 2Pay $5 per play. The multiplier is automatic.
- 3Sign the back of the ticket and keep it safe.
- 4After the draw, check the numbers on the official site or app.
- 5Claim prizes according to your state's rules.
Odds for every tier
These odds come from the 5/70 plus 1/24 matrix. The overall chance of winning some prize is about 1 in 23, slightly better than Powerball, and the jackpot odds of 1 in 290,472,336 are slightly better than Powerball's 1 in 292,201,338. Our Mega Millions odds calculator shows the effect of buying several tickets.
| You match | Odds, one play |
|---|---|
| 5 numbers + Mega Ball | 1 in 290,472,336 |
| 5 numbers | 1 in 12,629,232 |
| 4 numbers + Mega Ball | 1 in 893,761 |
| 4 numbers | 1 in 38,859 |
| 3 numbers + Mega Ball | 1 in 13,965 |
| 3 numbers | 1 in 607 |
| 2 numbers + Mega Ball | 1 in 665 |
| 2 numbers | 1 in 29 |
| 1 numbers + Mega Ball | 1 in 86 |
| 1 numbers | 1 in 4 |
| 0 numbers + Mega Ball | 1 in 35 |
| 0 numbers | 1 in 2 |
The price change and what it means
The $5 price means you pay two and a half times as much as for a Powerball play, for nearly the same jackpot odds. Per dollar spent, a Powerball ticket gives you roughly 2.5 times the jackpot chance. The built-in multiplier adds value to non-jackpot prizes, but a bigger share of the money goes to the games' operators and states, and the expected value per ticket stays below the price. If your goal is the best odds per dollar, compare the games in our which lottery has the best odds guide.
Taxes and the cash option
The jackpot is advertised as an annuity of 30 payments rising 5% a year, with a smaller cash option. Tax rules are the same as for Powerball. Federal withholding is 24% above $5,000, and a big win is taxed up to 37%, plus state tax in most states. Use the Mega Millions tax calculator for an estimate.
Tips
- Treat it as entertainment with a fixed budget.
- Do not chase the jackpot because it is large. Your odds do not improve.
- Quick pick and your own numbers are equally good.
- Check your ticket after every draw. Unclaimed prizes are a thing.
Ready?
A weekly draw you can check yourself.
$5 tickets, a public random value, and every result published with the data to recompute it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Mega Millions cost?
$5 per play since April 2025, with a multiplier included.
What are the odds of winning Mega Millions?
1 in 290,472,336 for the jackpot and about 1 in 23 for any prize.
What days is Mega Millions drawn?
Tuesday and Friday nights.
How many numbers do you pick?
Five from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball from 1 to 24.
Is Mega Millions better than Powerball?
The jackpot odds are slightly better, but a play costs $5 versus $2. Per dollar, Powerball gives better jackpot odds.
What changed in Mega Millions in 2025?
The ticket price rose to $5, a multiplier was built in, and the Mega Ball range changed to 1 to 24.
Is the Megaplier gone?
The separate $1 Megaplier was replaced by a built-in multiplier in the $5 ticket.
How do I claim a Mega Millions prize?
Small prizes at a retailer, larger ones through the state lottery's claims process. Check your state's rules.