Choosing Mega Millions Numbers: The Hot and Cold Strategy Explained

This strategy does not change the lottery odds. Every drawing is a random event. However, analyzing these trends can be a fun way to approach the game.

This guide breaks down the hot and cold numbers for Mega Millions. We will look at long-term data since 2017 and short-term trends from recent drawings. All statistics are based on the game’s format of picking five main numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball from 1 to 25.

What Are Hot and Cold Numbers?

The concept is simple. It is all about how frequently a number is drawn over a certain period.

• Hot Numbers: These are the numbers that have been drawn most often. Some players choose them, believing the numbers are on a lucky streak.
• Cold Numbers: These are the numbers that have been drawn the least. Other players pick them, thinking they are “due” to come up soon.

In over 800 drawings since the game rules changed in October 2017, each main number should have appeared about 57 times on average. The Mega Ball should have appeared about 160 times. Numbers that are far above or below these averages are considered hot or cold.

Long-Term Hot and Cold Numbers (Since October 2017)

This data covers approximately 800 drawings from late 2017 through September 2025. It shows which numbers have had the most and least success over the long run.

Top 10 Hot Main Numbers (1-70):
These numbers have been drawn more often than any others over the past several years.

• 2
• 20
• 4
• 12
• 9
• 5
• 14
• 17
• 10
• 13

Top 10 Cold Main Numbers (1-70):
These numbers have appeared the least, making them “overdue” in the eyes of some players.

• 33
• 19
• 43
• 61
• 65
• 45
• 49
• 52
• 31
• 30

Hot and Cold Mega Balls (1-25):
The Mega Ball has its own set of trends.

• Hot Mega Balls: 2, 3, 17, 15, 23
• Cold Mega Balls: 11, 16, 25, 7, 21

Short-Term Hot and Cold Numbers (Recent 100 Drawings)

Recent trends can be very different from long-term statistics. This data looks at the last 100 drawings, roughly from June to September 2025. In this timeframe, each main number should appear about seven times on average.

Top 10 Hot Main Numbers (Last 100 Drawings):
These numbers have been on a hot streak lately.

• 17
• 24
• 31
• 42
• 6
• 12
• 18
• 27
• 30
• 44

Top 10 Cold Main Numbers (Last 100 Drawings):
These numbers have not been seen in a while. Several have not been drawn at all in the last 100 drawings.

• 3
• 5
• 9
• 15
• 16
• 26
• 36
• 37
• 46
• 47

Trends for the Mega Ball are harder to spot in short periods. However, numbers like 2, 3, and 17 have continued to appear frequently in recent months.

How to Use This Information: Three Popular Strategies

There is no right or wrong way to use this data. It all comes down to personal preference. Here are three common approaches.

1. The “Hot” Strategy: Ride the Streak
This strategy involves picking numbers that are currently appearing often. A player might look at the short-term hot list and choose numbers like 17, 24, and 31. The belief is that these numbers will continue their lucky run.

2. The “Cold” Strategy: Play the Overdue Numbers
This is the opposite approach. Players who use this method pick numbers from the cold list. They might choose numbers like 3, 5, and 9, assuming that their turn to be drawn is coming soon.

3. The Balanced Strategy: Mix It Up
Many players choose to mix hot and cold numbers on their tickets. This balances the two theories. For example, you could pick three numbers from the hot list and two from the cold list. This is a popular way to cover your bases.

A Final Word of Caution

Analyzing hot and cold numbers is a fun way to engage with the game, but it is important to remember the reality of the lottery.

The chance of winning the Mega Millions jackpot is 1 in 302,575,350. Every number has an equal chance of being drawn in every single drawing. Past results have no influence on future outcomes.

Use these statistics as a guide for entertainment, not as a guarantee of winning. Always play responsibly and only spend what you can afford.