How often is 3 drawn in Mega Millions?
Since October 31, 2017, when Mega Millions’ current rules took effect (5 numbers from 1–70), number 3 has been drawn 80 times in 939 draws — the 4th most often of 70; across all 2,433 draws since May 17, 2002 it has come up 205 times, tied 15th of 52.
Data: 2,433 draws, May 17, 2002 – October 27, 2026; updated October 27, 2026.
That is 12.9 more than the 67.1 a number would average from the matrix alone (19% above).
How long has 3 gone without being drawn?
The longest 3 has gone without being drawn is 59 draws, between its appearances on March 14, 2025 and October 10, 2025. Its current gap is 1 draw, shorter than its average gap of 10.9 draws between appearances. A long gap doesn’t make a number due in Mega Millions: each draw starts fresh. Its longest streak was 2 consecutive draws on record, from September 17, 2004 to September 21, 2004. Its first appearance in the record was on June 4, 2002.
Which numbers are drawn most often with 3?
Since October 31, 2017, 3 has been drawn alongside 19 more often than with any other number (10 times), followed by 18 (9), 5 (8), 16 (8), 44 (8). The fewest: 45 (1), 57 (1), 67 (1), 69 (1), 15 (2).
3 in Mega Millions, year by year
Its busiest year was 2012, drawn 17 times in 104 draws (tied 1st that year); its quietest was 2025, 3 times in 104 draws (tied 65th).
| Year | Times 3 drawn | Rank that year | Draws held |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | tied 30th | 86 |
| 2025 | 3 | tied 65th | 104 |
| 2024 | 12 | tied 4th | 105 |
| 2023 | 13 | 2nd | 104 |
| 2022 | 11 | tied 5th | 104 |
| 2021 | 9 | tied 15th | 105 |
| 2020 | 8 | tied 24th | 104 |
| 2019 | 8 | tied 24th | 105 |
| 2018 | 8 | tied 24th | 104 |
| 2017 | 6 | tied 19th | 74 |
| 2016 | 3 | tied 59th | 75 |
| 2015 | 3 | tied 55th | 74 |
| 2014 | 10 | tied 5th | 80 |
| 2013 | 7 | tied 37th | 100 |
| 2012 | 17 | tied 1st | 104 |
| 2011 | 9 | tied 25th | 104 |
| 2010 | 9 | tied 28th | 105 |
| 2009 | 9 | tied 28th | 104 |
| 2008 | 8 | tied 36th | 105 |
| 2007 | 9 | tied 27th | 104 |
| 2006 | 7 | tied 43rd | 104 |
| 2005 | 9 | tied 21st | 104 |
| 2004 | 10 | tied 20th | 105 |
| 2003 | 5 | tied 48th | 104 |
| 2002 | 6 | tied 24th | 66 |
When was 3 last drawn?
Number 3 was last drawn on Fri, Oct 23, 2026 (1 draw ago); the winning numbers that night were 3, 7, 46, 49, 51, Mega Ball 5. All Mega Millions results for 2026.
The draws before that with 3: Sep 11, 2026; Aug 14, 2026; May 22, 2026; Apr 10, 2026; Feb 17, 2026.
3 as the Mega Ball
As the Mega Ball (drawn from a separate 1–24 pool), 3 has come up 38 times in 903 draws since October 31, 2017 — tied 12th of 24, most recently on October 27, 2026.
3 by draw day
Across the full record, 3 has come up 100 times in 1,210 Tuesday draws and 105 times in 1,223 Friday draws.
These are counts of past Mega Millions draws. Every draw is independent and random: no number is “due”, and none of these figures changes the chance of 3 being drawn next.
Cite this: Lottizen, "How often is 3 drawn in Mega Millions?," updated October 27, 2026, https://lottizen.com/usa/mega-millions/number/3. Data: Lottizen (lottizen.com), free to use with credit.