Scrabble Letter Values
Understanding tile values is fundamental to Scrabble scoring. But it's not just about knowing that Z is worth 10 and E is worth 1 — it's about understanding how premium squares multiply those values, why strategic value differs from face value, and how to maximize points with the tiles you draw. This complete reference covers every letter's score, frequency, and strategic implications.
187
Total face value (all tiles)
8
Point tiers (0-10)
10
1-point letters (most common)
×9
Max multiplier (TL + TW)
Complete Scoring Chart — All 26 Letters
Every Scrabble tile has a fixed point value printed on it. These values reflect roughly how hard each letter is to use — common letters score less, rare letters score more. Here's the complete breakdown organized from lowest to highest value.
| Letter | Points | Tiles in Bag | Total Points Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | 9 | 9 |
| B | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| C | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| D | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| E | 1 | 12 | 12 |
| F | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| G | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| H | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| I | 1 | 9 | 9 |
| J | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| K | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| L | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| M | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| N | 1 | 6 | 6 |
| O | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| P | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Q | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| R | 1 | 6 | 6 |
| S | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| T | 1 | 6 | 6 |
| U | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| V | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| W | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| X | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Y | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Z | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Blank | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Value Tiers — Strategy for Each Group
Rather than thinking about individual letters, competitive players think in tiers. Each tier requires a different strategic approach — from the common 1-point tiles that enable bingos to the rare 10-point tiles that demand immediate play.
1-Point Tier: A, E, I, L, N, O, R, S, T, U (68 tiles total)
These are your bingo builders. Racks rich in 1-point letters have the highest bingo probability. Don't waste them on short words unless the score justifies it. SATIRE (all 1-point) is the strongest bingo stem.
2-Point Tier: D, G (7 tiles total)
Solid middle-ground tiles. D enables past tenses (-ED endings), G enables present participles (-ING). Both contribute to bingos without dragging down your rack.
3-Point Tier: B, C, M, P (8 tiles total)
Useful consonants but less flexible than 1-2 point tiles. They combine less well for bingos. Play them in medium-scoring words rather than hoarding.
4-Point Tier: F, H, V, W, Y (10 tiles total)
The awkward middle. Worth enough to boost scores but reduce bingo chances. Play these early-to-mid game. V is the worst — fewest valid combinations.
5-Point Tier: K (1 tile only)
K is underrated. It combines well with common tiles: KAYAK, KNACK, KICK, KING, KNOW. Better strategic value than J or Q despite lower face value.
8-Point Tier: J, X (2 tiles total)
High reward, moderate risk. X is the best power tile (5 valid 2-letter words). J is harder (only JO for 2-letter). Both should be played within 2 turns of drawing on premium squares when possible.
10-Point Tier: Q, Z (2 tiles total)
Highest risk, highest reward. Z is excellent (ZA, ZO, ZAX make it easy to play). Q is dangerous without U — know your Q-without-U words (QI, QOPH, QADI). Play both ASAP.
Premium Square Multipliers — How Values Multiply
The board has four types of premium squares that amplify scores. Understanding the interaction between letter and word multipliers is essential for maximizing high-value tiles.
| Square Type | Effect | Example (Z on square) |
|---|---|---|
| Double Letter (DL) | ×2 that letter only | Z = 20 pts (instead of 10) |
| Triple Letter (TL) | ×3 that letter only | Z = 30 pts (instead of 10) |
| Double Word (DW) | ×2 entire word score | ZA (21 base) = 42 pts total |
| Triple Word (TW) | ×3 entire word score | ZA (21 base) = 63 pts total |
💡 Multiplier Stacking
When a word covers both a letter multiplier AND a word multiplier, apply the letter multiplier first, then multiply the entire word. Example: Z on TL in a word crossing TW = Z scores 30 (×3 letter), then the whole word is ×3 again. A single Z can contribute 90 points in optimal placement.
90 Points from One Tile
Z or Q on Triple Letter + word crossing Triple Word
This is the theoretical maximum a single tile can contribute: 10 points × 3 (TL) = 30 for the letter, then the word crosses TW for ×3 on everything. In practice, this requires specific board positions, but it illustrates why placing high-value tiles on letter premiums in words that reach word premiums is the ultimate scoring strategy.
Face Value vs Strategic Value — They're Not the Same
One of the biggest misconceptions in Scrabble is that high-point tiles are the "best" tiles. In competitive play, strategic value often inverts the face value hierarchy. Here's why:
✓ Undervalued (strategic > face)
Blank (0 pts) → worth 25-30 strategically. S (1 pt) → worth 8-10 in hook value. These tiles enable bingos and extensions worth far more than their face value.
✗ Overvalued (face > strategic)
Q (10 pts) → actually negative expected value without U. V (4 pts) → hardest consonant to use, few valid words. These tiles hurt your rack's flexibility.
The true power ranking of tiles in competitive Scrabble looks roughly like: Blank > S > E > A > R > I > N > T > O > D > L > G > U > H > X > Z > K > W > Y > F > B > C > M > P > J > V > Q. Notice that Q — the highest face value tile — ranks dead last strategically.
Scrabble vs Words With Friends — Value Comparison
If you play both games, be aware that tile values differ significantly. Words With Friends rebalanced several letters, making some power tiles less impactful and some common letters more valuable.
| Letter | Scrabble | Words With Friends | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| J | 8 | 10 | +2 in WWF |
| X | 8 | 8 | Same |
| Z | 10 | 10 | Same |
| Q | 10 | 10 | Same |
| H | 4 | 3 | -1 in WWF |
| V | 4 | 5 | +1 in WWF |
| D | 2 | 2 | Same |
| G | 2 | 3 | +1 in WWF |
🔬 Key Difference
The biggest gameplay difference isn't the tile values — it's the premium square layout. Words With Friends has a different board with more premium squares in different positions. The same word placed identically scores differently between the two games.
📚 Dig Deeper
🔗 Try our free Scrabble Word Finder — instant results, no sign-up
Open Word Finder →
Loading comments...