US Mega Millions Mean Distribution - Average Number Patterns in Draws

The Mean is one of the basic statistics often used to study past draws. It shows the average of the numbers drawn which helps in measuring and illustrating how random numbers can cluster around certain mean values over time.

Mega Millions Charts

Last 75 draws

From Mar. 4, 2025 To Nov. 18, 2025

Histogram of Means

In lottery analysis, a histogram of means is used as a statistical tool to illustrate how often different average values of lotto combinations occur across multiple draws. This helps identify whether drawn combinations tend to produce lower, middle, or higher average numbers, giving insight into the overall balance and spread of outcomes.

The chart below is a histogram of mean values of lotto combinations from Mar. 4, 2025 to Nov. 18, 2025 , covering 75 draws. The range of possible means is divided into categories or bins. In this case, the bins are defined as intervals such as 1-9 up to 64-70, each representing a continuous range of mean values.

This division is necessary because individual mean values can vary widely, and grouping them into intervals makes patterns easier to observe. For example, by examining how frequently means fall into each bin, anyone can quickly see whether the draws are evenly distributed, clustered in particular ranges, or biased toward lower or higher averages.

The histogram of mean values reveals notable patterns. The most frequent mean range is 28-36 with 36 occurrences, suggesting this interval is the most common outcome across the draws. On the other hand, the least frequent mean range is 1-9, 55-63, 64-70 with 0 occurrences, indicating relatively rare outcomes in this interval. This suggests a strong concentration of mean values within specific ranges. In summary, the distribution of mean values shows a tendency for draws to cluster around the higher-frequency ranges.

Next: Range Distribution

Format Changes in US Mega Millions Lottery

Since its inception in 1996, Mega Millions has undergone several changes in its number pool format, particularly in the main number set and the Mega Ball. Initially launched as “The Big Game,” the format started with selecting 5 numbers from a pool of 50 and 1 Mega Ball from a pool of 25 and expanded its number matrix several times in 2005, 2013, and 2017. in April 2025, the format was revised again, maintaining the 5/70 for the main numbers but slightly reducing the Mega Ball pool from 1/25 to 1/24. These adjustments over time have been aimed at balancing jackpot size, odds of winning, and overall game excitement.

Period	Format	Mega Ball
September 6, 1996 – Launch as “The Big Game”	5 of 50	1 of 25
May 17, 2002 – Rebranded “The Big Game Mega Millions”	5 of 52	1 of 52
October 2002 – 2005	5 of 56	1 of 46
October 18–22, 2013	5 of 75	1 of 15
October 28–31, 2017	5 of 70	1 of 25
April 8, 2025	5 of 70	1 of 24

How US Mega Millions Lotto Format Changes Affect Your Number Strategy.

These format changes have a direct impact on statistical analysis. Mixing frequency data across different formats is not advisable because each version of the game has a different number pool and probability structure.

For example, a number that appeared frequently in the 5/50 format may have done so due to higher individual draw probability, but that same frequency can be misleading in the 5/75 or 5/70 formats.

Therefore, for meaningful analysis, it’s essential to treat each format as its own distinct dataset. Analyzing trends or frequencies should be restricted to results from within the same format period, especially if the goal is to inform number selection in the current game structure.