Mega Millions Calculator

Calculate your Mega Millions winning odds and expected value

Formula:Odds = C(70,5) × 25 = 302,575,350

Mega Millions Entry

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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

MatchPrizeOdds
5 + MB$150,000,0001 in 302.6M
5$1,000,0001 in 12.6M
4 + MB$10,0001 in 931.0K
4$5001 in 38.8K
3 + MB$2001 in 14.5K
3$101 in 606
2 + MB$101 in 693
1 + MB$41 in 89
MB$21 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

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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.