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Mega Millions prizes and odds
Mega Millions has 9 prize tiers. The jackpot needs all 5 numbers plus the Mega Ball (1 in 290,472,336); the easiest prize is the Mega Ball alone (1 in 35), worth US$5 before the multiplier. The odds of winning anything are 1 in 23.07.[1]
1Prize chart and odds
| Match | Prize | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 5 + Mega Ball | Jackpot | 1 in 290,472,336 |
| 5 | US$1,000,000 | 1 in 12,629,232 |
| 4 + Mega Ball | US$10,000 | 1 in 893,761 |
| 4 | US$500 | 1 in 38,859 |
| 3 + Mega Ball | US$200 | 1 in 13,965 |
| 3 | US$10 | 1 in 607 |
| 2 + Mega Ball | US$7 | 1 in 665 |
| 1 + Mega Ball | US$7 | 1 in 86 |
| Mega Ball only | US$5 | 1 in 35 |
2Prizes with the multiplier
Every Mega Millions play carries a random multiplier printed on the ticket, applied to every non-jackpot prize. With 10x, five matches pay US$10 million.[1]
| Match | 2x | 3x | 4x | 5x | 10x |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | US$2,000,000 | US$3,000,000 | US$4,000,000 | US$5,000,000 | US$10,000,000 |
| 4 + Mega Ball | US$20,000 | US$30,000 | US$40,000 | US$50,000 | US$100,000 |
| 4 | US$1,000 | US$1,500 | US$2,000 | US$2,500 | US$5,000 |
| 3 + Mega Ball | US$400 | US$600 | US$800 | US$1,000 | US$2,000 |
| 3 | US$20 | US$30 | US$40 | US$50 | US$100 |
| 2 + Mega Ball | US$14 | US$21 | US$28 | US$35 | US$70 |
| 1 + Mega Ball | US$14 | US$21 | US$28 | US$35 | US$70 |
| Mega Ball only | US$10 | US$15 | US$20 | US$25 | US$50 |
3What each match pays
- 1 number
- Nothing without the Mega Ball; US$7 × multiplier with it.
- 2 numbers
- Nothing without the Mega Ball; US$7 × multiplier with it.
- 3 numbers
- US$10 without the Mega Ball; US$200 with it (both × multiplier).
- 4 numbers
- US$500 without the Mega Ball; US$10,000 with it (× multiplier).
- 5 numbers
- US$1 million × multiplier (up to US$10 million) without the Mega Ball; the jackpot with it.
- Mega Ball only
- US$5 × multiplier, so at least US$10.
In California all prizes are pari-mutuel and can be lower than the chart.
4The jackpot: annuity or cash
The advertised jackpot is the value of an annuity: one immediate payment and 29 yearly payments that grow 5% a year. A winner who takes the cash option receives the money backing that annuity, typically 45–50% of the advertised figure.[2] A non-resident winner normally has 30% US federal tax withheld, plus any state tax where the ticket was bought; residents of treaty countries may be able to reclaim the federal part.[3]
Work out the net in rand with the prize calculator. Records: the 10 biggest jackpots.
5Frequently asked questions
How much do you win with 3 numbers on Mega Millions?
US$10 without the Mega Ball; US$200 with it (both × multiplier).
How much do you win with 2 numbers on Mega Millions?
Nothing without the Mega Ball; US$7 × multiplier with it.
How much is the Mega Ball on its own worth?
US$5 × multiplier, so at least US$10.
How does the Mega Millions multiplier work?
Since April 2025 every US$5 play carries a random multiplier of 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x or 10x that applies to every non-jackpot prize. Odds: 10x 1 in 32; 5x 1 in 16; 4x 1 in 8; 3x 1 in 3.2; 2x 1 in 2.13.
Are the lower prizes fixed?
Yes, except in California, where by law all prizes are pari-mutuel and depend on sales and the number of winners.
How much is a US$1 million prize in rand?
Use the prize calculator: it converts at today's exchange rate and subtracts US withholding.
Sources
- South Dakota Lottery. "Mega Millions Update" (2025): new prize chart and odds. lottery.sd.gov
- Mega Millions. "How to Play": rules, price and multiplier. megamillions.com
- IRS. Publication 515, "Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities": 30% withholding and treaty exemptions. irs.gov