Powerball is cheaper and has more weekly drawings, while Mega Millions offers slightly better odds, a larger starting jackpot and bigger non-jackpot prizes. For most casual players, Powerball offers more entries for the money because each play costs $2 instead of $5. Mega Millions may appeal more to players who prefer higher built-in prizes.
The rules below are current as of September 20, 2026.
Powerball vs. Mega Millions at a Glance
| Feature | Powerball | Mega Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket price | $2 per play | $5 per play |
| Numbers selected | 5 numbers from 1 to 69, plus 1 Powerball from 1 to 26 | 5 numbers from 1 to 70, plus 1 Mega Ball from 1 to 24 |
| Jackpot odds | 1 in 292,201,338 | 1 in 290,472,336 |
| Overall odds of winning any prize | 1 in 24.87 | 1 in 23 |
| Starting jackpot | $20 million | $50 million |
| Drawing days | Monday, Wednesday and Saturday | Tuesday and Friday |
| Match-five prize | $1 million | $2 million to $10 million, depending on the multiplier |
| Multiplier | Optional Power Play, usually $1 extra | Included in the $5 ticket |
| Additional feature | Optional Double Play in participating jurisdictions | No separate Double Play equivalent |
Powerball uses a 5-of-69 plus 1-of-26 number matrix. Mega Millions uses a 5-of-70 plus 1-of-24 matrix. Every Mega Millions play includes a randomly assigned 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X or 10X multiplier.
Which Game Has Better Odds?
Mega Millions has slightly better odds of winning both the jackpot and any prize.
- Mega Millions jackpot odds: 1 in 290,472,336
- Powerball jackpot odds: 1 in 292,201,338
- Mega Millions overall odds: 1 in 23
- Powerball overall odds: 1 in 24.87
The difference in jackpot odds is small. Ticket price makes a bigger difference for players with a fixed budget. A $10 budget buys five Powerball plays or two Mega Millions plays.
Which Game Has the Bigger Jackpot?
Mega Millions has the larger starting jackpot.
Mega Millions jackpots start at $50 million, compared with $20 million for Powerball. Both jackpots grow when no ticket matches all five white balls and the special ball.
The advertised jackpot changes after each drawing, so neither game permanently has the larger jackpot.
Which Game Pays More for Lower-Tier Wins?
Mega Millions generally offers larger non-jackpot prizes.
The current Mega Millions prize structure pays between $10 and $10 million for non-jackpot wins. Its multiplier is assigned to each play and applies to every non-jackpot prize tier.
Powerball's standard match-five prize is $1 million. Players can add Power Play for an additional $1. A match-five Powerball win with Power Play pays $2 million, regardless of whether the selected multiplier is 2X through 10X.
Which Game Gives You More Chances to Play?
Powerball has more drawings each week.
Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Mega Millions drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday.
More drawings do not improve the odds of an individual ticket. They give players more scheduled opportunities to buy a ticket and enter a drawing.
How Do the Special Features Differ?
Powerball Power Play and Double Play
Powerball offers two optional features:
- Power Play: Costs an additional $1 and multiplies eligible non-jackpot prizes.
- Double Play: Costs an additional $1 in participating jurisdictions and enters the same numbers into a separate drawing with a top prize of $10 million.
Power Play does not increase the jackpot. Double Play uses a separate drawing and prize structure.
Mega Millions Built-In Multiplier
Mega Millions includes its multiplier in the standard $5 ticket. Each play receives a randomly selected multiplier of 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X or 10X.
The multiplier applies to non-jackpot prizes. It does not multiply the jackpot.
Is Powerball or Mega Millions the Better Choice?
Choose Powerball if you want:
- A lower $2 ticket price
- Three drawings per week
- More plays for the same budget
- Optional add-ons instead of a higher required ticket price
Choose Mega Millions if you want:
- A $50 million starting jackpot
- Slightly better jackpot and overall odds
- Larger non-jackpot prizes
- A multiplier included with every play
Bottom Line
Powerball suits players who want to spend less per ticket or enter more drawings each week. Mega Millions suits players who prefer a larger starting jackpot, slightly better odds and bigger non-jackpot prizes.
Neither game offers a reliable winning strategy. The published odds apply to every number combination, so birthdays, lucky numbers and Quick Pick selections all have the same mathematical chance of winning.