Scrabble Word Checker
Check if a word is valid in Scrabble and see its point value.
How Scrabble Scoring Works
In Scrabble, each letter tile has a point value based on how common that letter is in English. Rare letters like Q (10 points) and Z (10 points) score higher than common letters like E (1 point) and A (1 point). The total score for a word is the sum of all its letter values, before any board multipliers are applied.
Scrabble Letter Values
| Points | Letters |
|---|---|
| 1 | A, E, I, L, N, O, R, S, T, U |
| 2 | D, G |
| 3 | B, C, M, P |
| 4 | F, H, V, W, Y |
| 5 | K |
| 8 | J, X |
| 10 | Q, Z |
Board Multipliers
The base word score shown by this tool does not include board multipliers. On a real Scrabble board, you can dramatically increase your score using premium squares:
- Double Letter Score (DL) -- Doubles the value of the letter placed on it
- Triple Letter Score (TL) -- Triples the value of the letter placed on it
- Double Word Score (DW) -- Doubles the entire word score
- Triple Word Score (TW) -- Triples the entire word score
High-Scoring Scrabble Strategies
1. Learn the Two-Letter Words
There are about 100 valid two-letter words in Scrabble. Memorizing them opens up parallel plays -- placing a word alongside an existing word to create multiple two-letter words simultaneously. This is one of the most reliable ways to score big.
2. Target Premium Squares
Plan your plays to land high-value letters on Double or Triple Letter Score squares. A Z on a Triple Letter Score is worth 30 points just for that one tile! Similarly, try to extend words across Double or Triple Word Score squares.
3. Balance Your Rack
A good rack has a mix of vowels and consonants (roughly 2-3 vowels and 4-5 consonants). If your rack is unbalanced, consider exchanging tiles rather than making a low-scoring play that leaves you with a bad rack.
4. Know Your Q-Without-U Words
Getting stuck with a Q and no U is a common Scrabble nightmare. Memorize words like QI (the most important one), QOPH, QANAT, QADI, QAID, and QINTAR. These can save you from losing a turn.
5. Hook Words
A "hook" is a single letter you add to an existing word to form a new word while simultaneously playing your own word perpendicular to it. For example, adding an S to CART to make CARTS while playing your word down from the S. Common hooks include S, D, R, and E.
Words With Friends vs. Scrabble
While Words With Friends is based on Scrabble, the two games have different dictionaries and slightly different letter values. This checker uses standard Scrabble letter values (TWL/SOWPODS compatible words). Some words valid in Words With Friends may not be valid in official Scrabble tournament play, and vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dictionary does this checker use?
This tool checks against a curated list of common English words that are generally accepted in Scrabble play. For official tournament play, refer to the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary (OSPD) or the Tournament Word List (TWL).
Why does it suggest "Did you mean" words?
When you enter an invalid word, the checker looks for similar valid words that are just one letter change away. This helps you find the correct spelling or discover related words you might want to play instead.
Does this include board multipliers?
No. The score shown is the base value of the word -- the sum of all letter values without any Double/Triple Letter or Word multipliers from the board. Your actual game score will depend on where you place the word.