How to Pick Lottery Numbers: 7 Approaches, from Gut Feeling to Math

You've bought a ticket and you're staring at an empty grid. Fifty numbers, and you need to mark five. How do you choose? A birthday? Lucky numbers? Or just trust the generator? Every approach has its own logic — and its own pitfalls.

Let's be clear up front: no method of choosing increases the chance that your numbers come up. Every combination is equally likely. But there's a catch: different methods affect how much you'd collect if you win — and that difference is real.

1. The random generator

The most honest method is to let the machine choose. A random number generator has no preferences, doesn't pick "pretty" combinations and isn't fixated on birthdays.

Upside: the combination is very likely to be unique — few people will hold the same one. If you win, you won't have to split the prize.

Downside: no control and none of the satisfaction of choosing yourself. For many players that matters.

2. Personal numbers (dates, house numbers)

Birthdays, anniversaries, your flat number — the most common approach. And the least rewarding.

The problem: dates limit you to numbers 1 to 31. In South Africa's PowerBall (5 main numbers from 1–50) you automatically rule out 19 numbers — everything from 32 to 50. And the numbers 1–31 are chosen by millions of people. If that kind of combination wins, the prize gets split among dozens of winners.

How much does this matter? Statistically, winning combinations that include numbers above 31 tend to pay out roughly twice as much on average, simply because fewer people pick them.

3. The full field: use every number

A deliberate strategy: include at least 2–3 numbers above 31 in your combination. It won't raise your chance of winning, but it raises the expected size of the prize.

For PowerBall: instead of five numbers crammed into 1–31, spread your picks across the whole field — say, two from 1–25 and three from 26–50.

4. Avoiding popular combinations

Some combinations are chosen by thousands of people:

  • Sequences: 1-2-3-4-5 or 5-10-15-20-25
  • Geometric patterns: diagonals, crosses and frames on the slip
  • "Lucky" numbers: 7, 13, 21, 33
  • Repeating patterns: all even, all odd, all multiples of 5

Any of these can win — the probability is identical. But if one does win, the prize gets divided. By avoiding popular patterns you protect the potential size of your payout.

5. The statistical approach

Analysing draw frequency is a popular method. The idea: look at which numbers came up more or less often and build a combination from that data.

Mathematically this gives no edge — each draw is independent, and past results don't influence future ones. But the approach has indirect value: it helps you make a considered choice rather than a random one. People who play by a system tend to play more consistently and don't change their numbers every draw.

6. The Delta method

A lesser-known but interesting approach. Instead of absolute numbers, you choose the differences (deltas) between neighbouring numbers in the combination.

The algorithm:

  1. Pick five small numbers (deltas), for example: 3, 8, 5, 12, 9
  2. The first number of the combination = the first delta: 3
  3. Each next one = the previous number + the next delta: 3, 11, 16, 28, 37
  4. Check that every number falls within the lottery's range

The method gives no mathematical advantage, but it generates combinations with an unusual spread — not tied to dates and not forming obvious patterns.

7. The combined approach

The best strategy blends several principles:

  1. Start with the random number generator — get a base combination
  2. Check that it includes numbers above 31
  3. Make sure there are no obvious patterns (all even, a sequence, all multiples of 5)
  4. Swap any "problem" numbers for random ones in the right range
  5. Lock in the combination and play it regularly

That last point matters: changing your numbers every draw is tempting but pointless. The probability doesn't change, and sticking with one set reduces the stress of choosing and stops you missing "your" draw.

What you definitely shouldn't do

  • Don't buy "proven combinations" from anyone. No combination is better than another.
  • Don't put one number in every slot (say, 7-7-7-7-7) — most lotteries forbid repeats, and where they're allowed it slashes your coverage.
  • Don't change strategy after every loss. Once you've chosen an approach, stick with it.

The bottom line

  1. Every combination is equally likely. How you choose doesn't change your chance of winning.
  2. How you choose affects the size of the prize. Unpopular combinations mean fewer people to split with.
  3. Use numbers above 31 — other players pick them less often.
  4. Avoid patterns — sequences, diagonals and "lucky" numbers.
  5. The generator is the simplest way to get a unique combination.