What is the highest-scoring Scrabble word starting with K?

KOLHOZY scores 27 points without any premium squares. Other high-value K-words include KIBBUTZ (24 points) and KLUTZY (22 points), making K one of the strongest opening letters for raw point totals.

How many points is the letter K worth in Scrabble?

K is worth 5 points in Scrabble, making it one of the higher-value letters. There is only 1 K tile in the standard bag, so when you draw it, you want to maximise its scoring potential.

What are the best short K-words for Scrabble?

The best short K-words include KA (6 points, 2 letters), KI (6 points, 2 letters), and KEY (10 points, 3 letters). Short K-words are excellent for hitting premium squares since K already carries 5 points on its own.

Scrabble Words Starting With K — Top 30 Highest-Scoring K Words

June 14, 2026 5 min read Word Finder

K is a premium letter in Scrabble — worth 5 points on its own with only one tile in the bag. When you draw K, you want to make it count. The best K-words pair that built-in value with other high-scoring consonants or land on premium squares for massive point swings. From obscure gems like KOLHOZY to everyday words like KAYAK, this guide covers the top 30 K-words every competitive player should have in their arsenal.

Top 30 Highest-Scoring Words Starting With K

These are the most valuable words beginning with K, ranked by base point value (before any premium square bonuses). K's 5-point base value means even medium-length words score impressively.

#	Word	Points	Length
1	KOLHOZY	27	7
2	KOLKHOZ	27	7
3	KIBBUTZ	24	7
4	KLUTZY	22	6
5	KVETCHY	22	7
6	KICKBOX	22	7
7	KWANZA	22	6
8	KERCHIEF	20	8
9	KNACKY	19	6
10	KITSCHY	19	7
11	KIBITZ	19	6
12	KVETCH	18	6
13	KLUTZ	18	5
14	KAZOO	18	5
15	KETCHUP	18	7
16	KAYAKS	17	6
17	KOPECK	17	6
18	KNUCKLE	17	7
19	KAYAK	16	5
20	KINKY	16	5
21	KNACK	15	5
22	KICK	14	4
23	KOOKIE	14	6
24	KIOSK	13	5
25	KINK	12	4
26	KEY	10	3
27	KELP	10	4
28	KOI	7	3
29	KA	6	2
30	KI	6	2

Why K-Words Are Powerful in Scrabble

K is worth 5 points — the same as J and the third-highest single-tile value after Q and Z. With only one K tile in the bag, drawing it is relatively rare, which makes knowing how to use it effectively all the more important. The best K-words leverage K's natural point value alongside other premium consonants like Z, X, and double-K combinations.

Words like KOLHOZY and KIBBUTZ rank among the highest-scoring words in the entire game regardless of starting letter. Even shorter K-words like KLUTZ (18 points) and KVETCH (18 points) deliver exceptional value for their length. K also combines naturally with common vowels, giving you flexible placement options on tight boards.

Strategy for Playing K-Words

K demands a strategic approach. Here's how to squeeze maximum value from your K tile:

▶Target premium squares: K on a double-letter square is worth 10 points before you even count the rest of the word. On a triple-letter, that's 15 points from one tile. Always scan for premium placement.
▶Learn the two-letter K-words: KA and KI are both valid and score 6 points each. These are essential for parallel plays and tight-board situations.
▶Combine K with Z or Y: Words like KLUTZ, KLUTZY, and KAZOO pair K with other high-value tiles for devastating scores. Hold K if you see Z or Y coming.
▶Don't hold K too long: Unlike blank tiles, K doesn't help with bingos (7-letter plays). If you can't score 15+ points with K in one turn, play it for whatever you can get rather than clogging your rack.
▶Use KN- words: English has many KN- words (KNACK, KNEEL, KNIFE, KNOCK). These are familiar and easy to spot when you have K+N on your rack.

Key K-Word Patterns to Memorise

Recognising letter patterns helps you spot K-words faster during gameplay. The most productive K-word patterns include:

▶KN- words: KNACK, KNAVE, KNEAD, KNEEL, KNIFE, KNIGHT, KNIT, KNOCK, KNOT, KNOW — the silent K gives you surprising plays
▶-CK endings: Many words end in CK. Play them backwards from K: KICK, KNACK, KNOCK — you're building towards your K tile
▶KI- words: KIBBUTZ, KIBITZ, KICK, KILO, KIMONO, KINDLE, KINKY, KIOSK — the KI combination is extremely productive

🔤 Try our free Scrabble Word Finder — instant results, no signup

Open Word Finder →

← Back to all articles