How often is 42 drawn in Mega Millions?
Since October 31, 2017, when Mega Millions’ current rules took effect (5 numbers from 1–70), number 42 has been drawn 79 times in 939 draws — the 5th 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 11.9 more than the 67.1 a number would average from the matrix alone (18% above).
How long has 42 gone without being drawn?
The longest 42 has gone without being drawn is 78 draws, between its appearances on June 21, 2022 and March 24, 2023. Its current gap is 6 draws, 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 August 26, 2003 to August 29, 2003. Its first appearance in the record was on June 7, 2002.
Which numbers are drawn most often with 42?
Since October 31, 2017, 42 has been drawn alongside 22 more often than with any other number (11 times), followed by 24 (9), 39 (9), 2 (8), 10 (8). The fewest: 7 (1), 56 (1), 6 (2), 25 (2), 34 (2).
42 in Mega Millions, year by year
Its busiest year was 2017, drawn 11 times in 74 draws (tied 2nd that year); its quietest was 2014, 3 times in 80 draws (tied 55th).
| Year | Times 42 drawn | Rank that year | Draws held |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | tied 14th | 86 |
| 2025 | 12 | tied 4th | 104 |
| 2024 | 9 | tied 11th | 105 |
| 2023 | 9 | tied 13th | 104 |
| 2022 | 5 | tied 52nd | 104 |
| 2021 | 8 | tied 25th | 105 |
| 2020 | 6 | tied 50th | 104 |
| 2019 | 7 | tied 37th | 105 |
| 2018 | 10 | tied 9th | 104 |
| 2017 | 11 | tied 2nd | 74 |
| 2016 | 4 | tied 47th | 75 |
| 2015 | 3 | tied 55th | 74 |
| 2014 | 3 | tied 55th | 80 |
| 2013 | 9 | tied 21st | 100 |
| 2012 | 11 | tied 12th | 104 |
| 2011 | 8 | tied 32nd | 104 |
| 2010 | 5 | tied 51st | 105 |
| 2009 | 6 | tied 46th | 104 |
| 2008 | 13 | tied 5th | 105 |
| 2007 | 11 | tied 12th | 104 |
| 2006 | 9 | tied 26th | 104 |
| 2005 | 12 | tied 7th | 104 |
| 2004 | 9 | tied 30th | 105 |
| 2003 | 10 | tied 22nd | 104 |
| 2002 | 7 | tied 13th | 66 |
When was 42 last drawn?
Number 42 was last drawn on Tue, Oct 6, 2026 (6 draws ago); the winning numbers that night were 26, 32, 42, 51, 54, Mega Ball 22. All Mega Millions results for 2026.
The draws before that with 42: Aug 28, 2026; Jul 24, 2026; Apr 10, 2026; Mar 6, 2026; Jan 23, 2026.
42 by draw day
Across the full record, 42 has come up 93 times in 1,210 Tuesday draws and 112 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 42 being drawn next.
Cite this: Lottizen, "How often is 42 drawn in Mega Millions?," updated October 27, 2026, https://lottizen.com/usa/mega-millions/number/42. Data: Lottizen (lottizen.com), free to use with credit.