The number 117,649 appears in descriptions of countless Megaways games. It sounds impressive, but beginners may wonder where it comes from and whether it means they have 117,649 chances of winning on every spin.
It does not. The number describes the maximum possible symbol combinations across a common six-reel Megaways layout. Since each reel can change height, the actual number of available ways may rise or fall with every result.
This guide answers what are Megaways slots by focusing on the mathematics behind their variable reels. Once you understand how the reel positions are multiplied, the apparently complicated system becomes surprisingly straightforward.
Megaways Uses Dynamic Reel Heights
Most conventional slots maintain the same grid throughout the game. A Megaways slot can display a different number of symbols on each reel for every spin.
Big Time Gaming’s standard mechanic allows two to seven visible symbols per reel. When the result is displayed, the game multiplies the symbol positions across the six reels to determine the current number of Megaways.
This total is often shown above or below the main grid.
How the Maximum Is Calculated
When all six reels show seven symbols, the calculation is:
7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649 ways
Official Big Time Gaming game pages and fact sheets commonly describe six-reel titles with up to seven visible symbols per reel and a maximum of 117,649 ways.
The number represents combinations of reel positions. It does not mean 117,649 separate bets are being placed or that every route will contain matching symbols.
A Smaller Reel Example
Imagine that one spin produces these reel heights:
3 × 4 × 5 × 4 × 6 × 3
Multiplying them gives:
3 × 4 × 5 × 4 × 6 × 3 = 4,320 ways
The following spin might produce taller reels and 30,000 or more ways. Another could create a much smaller total.
The stake generally remains the amount displayed before the spin, even though the number of potential routes changes.
How Adjacent-Symbol Wins Are Formed
Fixed-payline slots require matching icons to land on specific drawn patterns. Megaways titles usually award wins when matching symbols appear on adjacent reels from left to right.
Suppose a matching symbol appears twice on reel one, three times on reel two, and twice on reel three. If three adjacent reels are enough to create a payout, those positions can form:
2 × 3 × 2 = 12 winning ways
Additional matching symbols on later reels may increase the number and value of qualifying combinations.
Does a Higher Number Guarantee a Win?
No. A fully expanded grid creates more potential routes, but the symbols appearing in those positions still determine whether any combination qualifies.
A spin showing 117,649 ways can produce no payout. A much smaller layout can contain several copies of a premium symbol and create a meaningful win.
The total number of ways describes the grid structure, not the probability of profit. The symbol distribution, paytable, wilds, and game mathematics all remain important.
How Cascades Change the Calculation
In games with cascading reels, winning symbols are removed and replaced. The reel heights may remain the same during that reaction, but the new symbol arrangement creates another evaluation.
A second win can trigger another cascade, continuing until no fresh combination appears. Bonanza combines Megaways with a dual-direction cascading system, while other titles may use ordinary downward reactions.
Only one initial paid stake is normally used for the full cascade sequence.
Can Megaways Games Exceed 117,649?
Yes. The familiar total is based on six reels with seven positions each, but individual games can alter the formula.
Some titles expand reels beyond the standard configuration during bonus modes. White Rabbit Megaways can reach 248,832 ways after special symbols add extra reel positions.
Other games may use extra reels, special symbols, or mechanics that modify the number of possible combinations. Always read the active game’s rules rather than assuming every Megaways title has the same maximum.
Win Ways Do Not Replace Risk Information
The number of routes tells you nothing about the game’s RTP or volatility. A title offering 117,649 ways can still be highly volatile, meaning substantial prizes may be less frequent.
RTP estimates the percentage of total wagers returned over extended play, not one individual session. Regulators also require licensed operators to monitor whether RNG games perform in line with their designed percentage.
Check these figures separately from the maximum win-way count.
The familiar 117,649 figure comes from multiplying seven visible positions across six reels. Because Megaways reels can change height, most spins use a smaller and different number of possible combinations.
Matching symbols usually pay across adjacent reels rather than fixed lines, while cascades may create additional evaluations from the same paid round. A larger grid offers more potential routes but cannot guarantee a win or profit.
Before playing, study the paytable, check how many reels are required for each symbol, and review the RTP and volatility. Use the win-way number to understand the layout-not to predict the outcome.