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Hot and Cold Numbers in UK Lotto: What the Data Shows

Explaining hot vs cold UK Lotto numbers: frequency analysis, why rankings shift, and how to use Fetix stats without false expectations.

Published on 2026-03-08Ā·Updated on 2026-09-153 min read
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Overview

In UK Lotto analysis, hot numbers are those drawn most often over a given period; cold numbers are those drawn least often. These labels describe past behaviour, not future likelihood.

Important

Hot numbers are not more likely to be drawn next time. Cold numbers are not "due". Each draw is independent.

Hot 10 and cold 10 over 1 year (Fetix data)

Period: 2025-03-08 → 2026-03-08 (104 draws).

Hot 10

Number Draws Share Last drawn Source
38 15 2.40% 2026-03-07 Fetix
17 14 2.24% 2026-03-04 Fetix
23 14 2.24% 2026-03-01 Fetix
41 14 2.24% 2026-03-04 Fetix
52 14 2.24% 2026-02-28 Fetix
7 13 2.08% 2026-02-25 Fetix
19 13 2.08% 2026-03-07 Fetix
31 13 2.08% 2026-03-01 Fetix
44 13 2.08% 2026-02-28 Fetix
56 13 2.08% 2026-03-04 Fetix

Cold 10

Number Draws Share Last drawn Source
2 7 1.12% 2025-12-14 Fetix
11 7 1.12% 2026-01-08 Fetix
25 7 1.12% 2025-11-22 Fetix
29 7 1.12% 2026-02-04 Fetix
37 7 1.12% 2025-12-21 Fetix
5 8 1.28% 2026-01-18 Fetix
16 8 1.28% 2026-02-11 Fetix
22 8 1.28% 2025-12-07 Fetix
46 8 1.28% 2026-01-04 Fetix
58 8 1.28% 2026-02-18 Fetix

Why frequencies vary

With 59 main numbers and 6 drawn per game, short-term imbalances are normal. Some numbers appear more often over a few months or a year; others less. Over many years, frequencies tend to converge—but never perfectly, because draws are random.

You can see current hot and cold numbers on the Stats page filtered for UK Lotto, choosing 1 year, 5 years, or full history.

The myth of "due" numbers

The idea that a cold number is "due" to appear is a common mistake. Past draws do not influence future ones. A number absent for 50 draws has the same chance on the next draw as one that appeared in the last 5.

Go further on Fetix

FAQ

Should I play hot or cold numbers?

Neither strategy changes your odds. Play what you prefer; the probabilities are the same.

Do cold numbers eventually "catch up"?

Over the long run, frequencies tend to even out, but there is no schedule. A number can stay "cold" for many draws without affecting future draws.

How often are the stats updated?

Fetix stats update when new draws are added. Check the Stats page for UK Lotto for the latest data.

Can I see hot and cold numbers for the bonus ball?

Yes. The Stats page for UK Lotto includes bonus ball frequency for the period you select.

Where does Fetix get this data?

From draw records stored in Fetix and aggregated by period.

Why do several cold numbers share the exact same draw count?

With only 104 draws spread across 59 numbers, ties on small integer counts are common by chance—they don't signal anything about those numbers.

Disclaimer

UK Lotto is a game of chance. Fetix does not guarantee any winnings. Statistics are for analysis only.

Sources