Before we look at stats, a quick refresher for anyone new to the game. Powerball is one of the biggest lottery games in the United States, played in 45 states plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s run by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), and the draw happens twice a week, typically on Wednesday and Saturday nights.
The game format is:
5 white balls drawn from 1 to 69
1 red Powerball drawn from 1 to 26
That combination creates millions of possible number sets, and all of them have the same odds of being drawn — at least in theory. The odds of winning the jackpot are about 1 in 292.2 million.
How Frequency Statistics Work
When we talk about “most frequently drawn powerball numbers historically,” we’re talking about how often specific numbers have show up over time in actual Powerball draws. But there are a few important things to know:
Powerball formats have changed over the years. The total number of white and red balls has been tweaked, so statistics from the early 2000s aren’t directly comparable to today’s game setup.
Every number has the same chance in any single draw. Even if one number has been drawn more often historically, that doesn’t mean it’s “luckier.” Random draws don’t have memory — each drawing is independent.
Stats can still be fun and interesting! For fans who like patterns or trivia, frequency lists are a great way to explore the game’s history.
Most Frequently Drawn Numbers (General Trends)
There isn’t a single official list that covers every Powerball draw since the 1990s, but there are several respected tracking sources that share historical data — and some clear patterns emerge.
Top Main Numbers (White Balls)
Across a large span of Powerball history (especially since 2015, when the current 5/69 + 1/26 format began), analysts have identified a set of numbers that show up more often than others:
Most drawn white balls historically include:
61 – often leading frequency lists
32 – also consistently near the top
21, 23, 33, 69, 64, 27, 28, 62 – frequently appearing among the most drawn numbers
These figures come from analyzing thousands of draws under the modern format.
One study of over 1,000 draws showed this top group clearly standing out, with 61 showing up over 100 times — more than any other number.
That doesn’t make 61 magically luckier, but it has been drawn more often in the recent statistical record of games since 2015.
What About Older Data?
When you go even farther back — looking at all Powerball draws since the late 1990s — other patterns crop up. For example, an analysis cited by Yahoo! News reported that 20 was one of the most consistently drawn numbers over a long range of years, followed by 23 and even 14.
But remember: because the game structure changed in 2015 with a new number matrix, comparing pre-2015 and post-2015 data is like comparing apples and oranges. The odds and number pools weren’t the same.
Most Frequently Drawn Red Powerballs
Just like white balls, the red Powerball has its own frequency trends.
According to historical data:
The number 20 has shown up quite frequently as the Powerball itself.
These trends vary depending on how far back you look, and after format changes the numbers drawn naturally shift.
Common Myths vs. Reality
A lot of players believe that knowing the most frequently drawn numbers gives them an edge — but that’s a lottery myth worth debunking:
Myth: “Hot” Numbers Are More Likely to Win
While certain numbers have appeared more often historically, every number still has the same chance of appearing in any given draw. There’s no memory in the system — last week’s numbers don’t influence the next draw.
Myth: Avoid “Cold” Numbers Because They Won’t Come Up
The opposite can be true! A “cold” number might simply be overdue, or just part of normal randomness. Again, each draw is independent.
Smart Play Tip
If you do use frequency data, think of it like fun trivia — not a guaranteed way to predict winning numbers. Most experts and statisticians say: Let randomness be randomness.
Why People Love These Stats
Even knowing the odds are long (1 in nearly 300 million for the jackpot), players still enjoy exploring patterns:
It adds excitement. Seeing a list of the “most drawn” numbers gives players something to talk about beyond the jackpot totals.
It sparks strategy talk. Some play numbers that appear often; others choose ones that haven’t shown up much yet.
It’s a part of the culture. Powerball isn’t just numbers and money — it’s conversations, communities, hot takes, and friendly debates.
In fact, lottery expert communities online often share hot and cold number charts just for fun — even though the odds stay the same for every number.
So… Should You Choose Based on Frequency?
Here’s the honest answer: Probably not if your goal is to beat the odds.
Statistically, no number has an actual advantage. Powerball is designed to be random. That means you can use past frequency lists for entertainment, but not as a true winning strategy.
If you like picking numbers based on trends or history, great — that’s part of the fun! Just remember:
Play responsibly — only spend what you can afford for entertainment
Understand that luck doesn’t follow patterns
Most people use Quick Picks because it doesn’t change your odds
At the end of the day, every ball — from 1 to 69 (white) and 1 to 26 (Powerball) — has an equal chance each draw. That’s what makes the game both fair and wildly unpredictable.
Final Thoughts
Looking at the most frequently drawn Powerball numbers historically can be fascinating. Whether it’s 61 showing up again and again, or seeing how often 20 has popped as a Powerball, there’s a lot of trivia to unpack. But the big takeaway is this:
