At a glance
- Number format
- 5 from 70 + 1 Mega Ball from 24
- Usual draws
- Tuesday and Friday
- Draw time
- 11 pm US Eastern Time
- Prize currency
- US dollars (USD)
Source: Mega Millions official game guide · Mega Millions official FAQs
Main numbers and the Mega Ball
The five main numbers and the gold Mega Ball come from separate number pools. Match all five main numbers plus the Mega Ball to match the jackpot combination. A Mega Ball match belongs in its own column when reading a prize table.
Draw dates and result timing
Draws take place on Tuesday and Friday nights in US Eastern Time. These are the following mornings in the UK. Official winning numbers and certified winner counts can be published at different times, so check the date and the completeness of the breakdown.
Source: Mega Millions official FAQs
The multiplier and jackpot options
A $5 play includes a randomly assigned multiplier for non-jackpot prizes. Use the multiplier shown on the ticket when reading the prize table; California prize amounts can differ. Jackpot winners choose either a cash payment or an initial payment followed by 29 annual payments, each increasing by 5%.
Checking older tickets
The game changed in April 2025. Older results can use different number ranges and show the retired Megaplier option. Use the rules for the ticket’s own draw date rather than applying today’s format to an old result.
Source: Mega Millions official FAQs
Checking a ticket
Use the official archive to select the draw on your ticket, then compare the main and special-number groups separately. Confirm the applicable prize and claim requirements with the operator that issued the ticket. This guide and our UK number checker do not validate international tickets.
Game rules and schedules can change. The review date above refers to this guide, not the most recent draw.
Understanding prize breakdowns →