Mega Millions Calculator
Calculate your Mega Millions winning odds and expected value
Formula:
Odds = C(70,5) × 25 = 302,575,350Mega Millions Entry
Enter jackpot and ticket count
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Your Mega Millions Analysis
Based on 1 ticket(s)
Your Jackpot Odds
1 in 302.6M
0.00000033% chance
Any Prize Odds
1 in 24
4.17% chance
Ticket Cost
$2
Expected Value
-$2
Return Rate
23.4%
House Edge
76.6%
All Prize Tiers
| Match | Prize | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 5 + MB | $150,000,000 | 1 in 302.6M |
| 5 | $1,000,000 | 1 in 12.6M |
| 4 + MB | $10,000 | 1 in 931.0K |
| 4 | $500 | 1 in 38.8K |
| 3 + MB | $200 | 1 in 14.5K |
| 3 | $10 | 1 in 606 |
| 2 + MB | $10 | 1 in 693 |
| 1 + MB | $4 | 1 in 89 |
| MB | $2 | 1 in 37 |
Comparison: Mega Millions has slightly worse jackpot odds than Powerball (1 in 302M vs 1 in 292M), but offers larger non-jackpot prizes like the $1M Match 5.
Jackpot Scenarios
Quick-start with common scenarios
Quick Answer
Mega Millions jackpot odds are 1 in 302,575,350 - slightly worse than Powerball. You pick 5 white balls (1-70) and 1 gold Mega Ball (1-25). Overall odds of winning ANY prize are 1 in 24. Tickets cost $2 ($3 with Megaplier). The record jackpot was $1.537 billion in 2018.
Key Facts
- Jackpot odds: 1 in 302,575,350 (5 white + Mega Ball)
- Overall odds of ANY prize: 1 in 24
- Ticket cost: $2 base, $3 with Megaplier
- Drawings: Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET
- White balls: 5 from pool of 70
- Mega Ball: 1 from pool of 25
- Jackpot starts at $20 million
- Megaplier multiplies non-jackpot prizes 2x-5x
FAQ
What are the odds of winning Mega Millions?
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350. This is calculated as C(70,5) × 25 = 12,103,014 × 25 = 302,575,350. These are slightly worse than Powerball (1 in 292 million).
Mega Millions vs Powerball: Which has better odds?
Powerball has slightly better jackpot odds (1 in 292 million vs 1 in 302 million). However, Mega Millions has better odds for the Match 5 prize ($1 million). Both have similar overall odds for winning any prize (~1 in 24).
What is the Megaplier and is it worth it?
Megaplier costs $1 extra and multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x. The expected value is slightly negative, but it can be worthwhile if you value the increased smaller prizes. The $1 million Match 5 prize becomes $2-5 million with Megaplier.
What was the biggest Mega Millions jackpot?
The largest Mega Millions jackpot was $1.537 billion on October 23, 2018, won by a single ticket in South Carolina. The winner chose to remain anonymous and took the lump sum option.
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).