Megaways slots appear at many online casinos and can feel quite different from classic slots. The changing Megaways number on the screen is the feature that usually catches the eye.
Understanding this number helps you read what is happening on each spin. We will explain what it means, how it is calculated, why it changes, and how it shapes winning combinations. You will also see how it sits alongside RTP and volatility, and where to find the key figures in a game’s paytable.
Read on to learn more.
What Does The Megaways Number Mean?
The Megaways number shows how many possible ways there are to win on that specific spin. Unlike traditional slots, the number of ways is not fixed. It changes because the number of symbols on each reel can vary from one spin to the next.
The game calculates the number by multiplying the symbols shown on each reel. For instance, if a slot has 6 reels and each reel shows 5 symbols, the Megaways number for that spin is 15,625 (5 x 5 x 5 x 5 x 5 x 5).
A higher Megaways number means more potential combinations can form across the reels, while a lower number means fewer. It does not promise a result either way. Outcomes are produced by random number generators, so results cannot be predicted or influenced. If you choose to play, setting sensible limits and sticking to them helps keep things in control.
Curious how that figure is worked out in practice on each spin? Let’s look at the calculation in a little more detail.
How Are Megaways Calculated On Each Spin?
On every spin, the slot counts how many symbols appear on each reel, then multiplies those counts together to get the Megaways number for that moment. Most Megaways slots use six reels, and each reel can land a different number of symbols from spin to spin.
If a spin shows 4 symbols on the first reel, 5 on the second, 3 on the third, and so on, the game multiplies those values to produce a unique total. Because the reel heights are changing all the time, the number of ways to win also shifts constantly.
As noted above, the number you see cannot be forecast in advance and does not influence the randomness of the result. What varies next is the range each game allows, which is where design choices come in.
Why Do Megaways Differ Between Games?
Megaways totals differ from one slot to another because each game sets its own reel layout and symbol limits. Some use six reels, others add or remove reels, and each title defines the minimum and maximum symbols that can appear on a reel.
Those settings decide the ceiling. One slot might cap out at 117,649 ways, another at a different figure, simply because the reels and symbol counts are configured differently. Developers choose these limits to shape pace, features, and overall feel, so you will see a wide spread of maximums across the genre.
With those ranges in mind, it helps to understand what the number actually means for forming wins on the reels.
How The Megaways Number Affects Paylines And Potential Wins
Traditional slots use fixed paylines. Megaways works differently by using ways to win, which means any matching symbol on adjacent reels from left to right can contribute, regardless of exact position on the reel.
When the Megaways number is high, more symbol positions are in play across the reels, so there are more potential combinations that could line up. When it is lower, fewer combinations are possible. That affects how many different outcomes could form, but it does not change the underlying randomness of any given spin.
Put simply, the Megaways number tells you how many routes to a win the current spin offers. Whether one of those routes actually lands is still decided by the game’s random process.
How Megaways Interact With RTP And Volatility
Megaways tells you how many ways are possible on a spin, but it does not set a slot’s RTP or volatility. Those are fixed characteristics chosen by the developer for each game.
RTP, or Return to Player, is a theoretical long-term average that indicates the amount that is expected to be returned to players over time. For example, a slot listed at 96% RTP is designed to pay back £96 for every £100 wagered over a very large number of spins. Individual sessions will vary widely from that average.
Volatility describes the pattern of payouts. Higher volatility games tend to pay less often but can produce larger wins, while lower volatility games tend to pay smaller amounts more frequently. Many Megaways titles lean towards medium to high volatility, although it varies by game.
Bonus features can add another layer to how a game feels, which brings us to what happens during free spins and special rounds.
Can Megaways Change During Free Spins Or Bonus Rounds?
Yes. In most Megaways slots, the number of ways can still change on every spin during free spins or bonuses, because the reel heights are re-evaluated each time.
Some features go further by boosting the ways available. For example, a bonus might lock reels at their maximum heights, push the ways higher as the feature progresses, or add modifiers that increase symbol positions. The exact behaviour depends on the game’s rules.
How To Check The Megaways Number In A Game’s Paytable
The clearest place to see how a slot handles Megaways is the paytable or help section. This is usually accessible from the main screen via an information or help icon.
Inside, you will typically find the minimum and maximum symbols per reel, the highest possible Megaways number for that title, and any features that affect reel heights during bonuses. Many paytables include diagrams to show how ways to win are formed. A quick read here sets expectations before you play.
What Are Common Misconceptions About Megaways?
A frequent misconception is that a higher Megaways number means a much greater chance of a win on that spin. While it increases the number of potential combinations, it does not guarantee that one will land.
Another is that tracking the Megaways number can reveal patterns or influence what happens next. Each spin is generated independently by the game’s random process, so previous spins do not affect future ones.
It is also easy to assume all Megaways slots work identically. In reality, reel setups, symbol limits, and bonus features vary between titles, so the experience can differ a lot from game to game.
If you choose to play Megaways slots, keep your spending within a set budget, take breaks, and treat betting as occasional entertainment.
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To help you manage your play, we provide responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, reality checks, and self-exclusion. These are available to all registered players.
If you would like to join us at Easy Slots, feel free to create an account, set your preferences, and explore the games at your own pace.
Whether you are new to Megaways or revisiting favourites, understanding how the number works makes it easier to follow the action.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.