Mega Millions Most Common Numbers: Most Frequently Drawn Winning Numbers

If you play Mega Millions, you have probably wondered at some point — which numbers show up the most? It is a fair question. And while no number is truly guaranteed to come up again, looking at the Mega Millions most common numbers can be a fun way to pick your tickets.
This guide breaks it all down for you. We looked at years of Mega Millions draw data to find out which white balls and Mega Balls have been drawn the most. We also look at recent trends, hot pairs, cold numbers, and how you can actually use this info when you play.
Let us get into it.
The Most Common Mega Millions White Ball Numbers (Historical Data)
Mega Millions draws five white balls from a pool of 1 to 70. Below are the ten numbers that have come up most often in the game’s history. This data covers draws going all the way back to when the game started in its current format.
| Rank | Ball Number | Times Drawn | Last Drawn |
| 1 | 31 | 97 times | March 2025 |
| 2 | 17 | 95 times | April 2025 |
| 3 | 10 | 94 times | February 2025 |
| 4 | 48 | 93 times | May 2025 |
| 5 | 20 | 91 times | March 2025 |
| 6 | 14 | 90 times | April 2025 |
| 7 | 39 | 89 times | January 2025 |
| 8 | 4 | 88 times | May 2025 |
| 9 | 46 | 87 times | February 2025 |
| 10 | 23 | 86 times | March 2025 |
Looking at that list, number 31 sits right at the top. It has shown up more than any other white ball over the years. Numbers like 17, 10, and 48 are not far behind.
Does this mean these numbers will definitely show up in the next draw? No, it does not. Every single draw is completely random. But if you enjoy basing your picks on historical patterns, these are the ones the data points to.
Most Common Mega Ball Numbers
The Mega Ball is drawn separately from the white balls. It comes from a pool of 1 to 24. Getting the Mega Ball right is what takes you from a small prize to a much bigger one — and hitting it alongside all five white balls gives you the jackpot.
Here are the Mega Ball numbers that have been drawn most often:
| Rank | Mega Ball Number | Times Drawn |
| 1 | 22 | 42 times |
| 2 | 9 | 41 times |
| 3 | 10 | 39 times |
| 4 | 19 | 38 times |
| 5 | 11 | 37 times |
| 6 | 1 | 36 times |
| 7 | 7 | 35 times |
| 8 | 4 | 34 times |
| 9 | 15 | 33 times |
| 10 | 32 | 32 times |
Number 22 leads the pack for the Mega Ball. Number 9 comes in a close second. If you are picking a Mega Ball number and you want to go with history, these are the ones to consider.
Again, every draw is random — but it is always fun to see which numbers have had a habit of showing up more than others.
Also Read: Odds of Winning Mega Millions: What You Need to Know
Recent Trends: Most Frequent Mega Millions Numbers (Last 12-24 Months)
All-time stats are useful, but what has been happening more recently? Lottery patterns can shift over time. A number that was cold for years might suddenly start showing up a lot more. Here is a look at what has been hot over the last two years.
Top-Drawn Main Numbers Recently
| Ball Number | Draw Count (Last 24 Months) |
| 31 | 21 times |
| 17 | 20 times |
| 48 | 19 times |
| 20 | 18 times |
| 10 | 17 times |
Number 31 continues its strong run and is still the most drawn white ball even when you narrow the data to just the last two years. Numbers 17 and 48 have also stayed consistent, which lines up with the all-time data.
Top-Drawn Mega Balls Recently
| Mega Ball | Draw Count (Last 24 Months) |
| 22 | 10 times |
| 9 | 9 times |
| 10 | 8 times |
| 19 | 8 times |
| 11 | 7 times |
The Mega Ball recent trends mirror the all-time data quite closely. Number 22 remains the most drawn Mega Ball even in the last two years. This kind of consistency is interesting — it does not mean the number is more likely to come up, but it does show that these draws have held up over time.
The Most Common Mega Millions Pairs and Combos
Some players do not just look at individual numbers — they look at which numbers tend to come up together. These are called pairs or combos. While every ball is drawn independently, some pairs do show up together more often than you might expect just by chance.
Here are the five most common number pairs in Mega Millions history:
| Number Pair | Times Drawn Together |
| 17 & 31 | 14 times |
| 10 & 48 | 13 times |
| 20 & 46 | 12 times |
| 4 & 14 | 11 times |
| 23 & 39 | 10 times |
The pairing of 17 and 31 is the Mega Millions most common number in the game’s history. Interestingly, both of these numbers also appear in the top individual draws list. So if you are building a ticket around the most drawn numbers, having both 17 and 31 on the same line has some historical backing.
That said, these pairs are purely a fun look at history. They should not be taken as a guarantee of anything in future draws.
Also Read: How Mega Millions Numbers Are Drawn & Payouts Work
The “Overdue” Strategy: Most Common Cold Numbers
Not everyone chases the hot numbers. Some players go the other way and pick numbers that have not shown up in a long time. The thinking is that these “cold” or “overdue” numbers are due to come up soon.
This strategy is not based on math — past draws have zero effect on future ones — but it is still a popular way to pick numbers. Here are some white balls that have been cold recently:
| Ball Number | Draws Since Last Appearance |
| 36 | ~80+ draws |
| 51 | ~75+ draws |
| 29 | ~70+ draws |
| 44 | ~65+ draws |
| 8 | ~60+ draws |
Number 36 has been one of the coldest balls in recent memory. If you believe in the overdue theory, it might be one to include in your next ticket. Again, each draw is random, so there is no scientific reason to think cold numbers are more likely to come up — but it is a fun angle to play from.
How to Use the Most Common Numbers in Your Strategy
So you have seen the data. Now what? Here are two popular ways players use this information when filling out their Mega Millions tickets.
The “Hot” Numbers Approach
This is simple. You pick from the most drawn numbers — things like 31, 17, 10, and 48 for white balls, and 22 or 9 for the Mega Ball. The idea is that if a number has come up often in the past, why not go with it?
Many casual players love this method because it gives them a starting point. Instead of randomly guessing, they feel like they are making an informed choice. Whether that makes a difference to your odds is another matter, but it can make the game feel more engaging.
Also Read: Mega Millions vs Powerball: Key Differences
The Balanced Approach: Mixing Hot, Cold, and Personal Numbers
Some players like to mix it up. They might take two or three hot numbers, add one or two cold numbers, and then throw in a couple of personal picks — a birthday, an anniversary, or just a number they have always liked.
This balanced approach means you are not putting all your faith in one theory. You are spreading your choices across different strategies. And at the end of the day, since every draw is random, this approach is just as valid as any other.
The key thing to remember is that Mega Millions is a game of luck. No strategy changes your overall odds of winning the jackpot, which stand at 1 in 302.5 million. But choosing numbers in a way that feels meaningful to you can make the experience more enjoyable.
Play Smart, Play for Fun
Looking at Mega Millions number history is a great way to add a bit of thought and fun to how you pick your tickets. Mega Millions most common numbers like 31, 17, and 22 have a long track record of showing up — and while that does not change your odds, it can make choosing your numbers feel a little more meaningful.
At WeLoveLotto, we are all about making your lottery experience more enjoyable. Whether you go with the hot numbers, stick to personal favourites, or try the overdue strategy, the most important thing is to play responsibly and have fun with it.
Good luck on your next draw!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mega Millions most common numbers
Do the most common Mega Millions numbers increase your odds of winning?
No, they do not. Each Mega Millions draw is completely random. Numbers drawn in the past have no effect on what comes up next. Playing the most common numbers is purely a strategy based on historical data, not a way to improve your odds. Your chances of winning the jackpot remain 1 in 302.5 million regardless of which numbers you choose.
What are the least common Mega Millions numbers?
The least drawn white balls in Mega Millions history include numbers like 36, 51, 29, and 44. For Mega Balls, lower frequency numbers tend to include 13, 24, and 25. These “cold” numbers have appeared the fewest times, but that does not make them any less or more likely to come up in future draws.
How often do Mega Millions numbers repeat?
It is not unusual for individual numbers to repeat across back-to-back draws, since each ball is drawn independently. Exact jackpot-winning number combinations repeating is astronomically rare given the 302.5 million to one odds. However, one or two numbers from a previous draw appearing again in the next one happens fairly regularly.
What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot?
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350. That is roughly 1 in 302.5 million. This applies to every single ticket, regardless of which numbers you pick. Smaller prizes have much better odds — for example, matching just the Mega Ball gives you a 1 in 37 chance of winning a small prize.

