How many numbers do you have to get right on the mega million lottery to win money?

When you play Mega Millions, the smallest payout is $2 for matching just the Mega Ball.

If you match 1 number plus the Mega Ball, you win $3.
If you match 3 numbers, you win $7.
If you match 2 numbers plus the Mega Ball, you win $10.
If you match either 4 numbers or 3 numbers plus the Mega Ball, you win $150.
If you match 4 numbers plus the Mega Ball, you win $10,000.
If you match 5 numbers, you win $250,000. Of course, if you match all 5 numbers plus the Mega Ball, you win the Jackpot.

The largest Jackpot ever was $656 million for the drawing held on March 30, 2012. There were 3 winning tickets sold in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland. There were nearly 9 million winners of the $2 prize in that same drawing.