How Scrabble scoring works
Most scoring arguments come from the same handful of situations. Here is each one worked through with real numbers, so you can check a score in seconds.
The basic score
A word scores the total of its letter values. CAT is C (3) + A (1) + T (1) = 5 points. Every tile in the word counts, including tiles that were already on the board, but premium squares only count for the tiles you have just placed.
Letter premiums
A double-letter square doubles the tile on it, and a triple-letter square triples it. Nothing else in the word changes.
Example: CAT with the C on a double-letter square: (3 × 2) + 1 + 1 = 8 points.
Put high-value letters on letter premiums. QUIZ with the Q on a triple-letter square is (10 × 3) + 1 + 1 + 10 = 42 points.
Word premiums
A double-word square doubles the whole word, and a triple-word square triples it. It does not matter which letter sits on the square.
Example: CAT with the T on a double-word square: (3 + 1 + 1) × 2 = 10 points.
If one word covers two word premiums, apply both. Two double-word squares multiply by 4. Two triple-word squares multiply by 9.
Example: CATS stretching across two double-word squares: (3 + 1 + 1 + 1) × 4 = 24 points.
Letter and word premiums together
Always apply letter premiums first, then multiply the total by any word premiums.
Example: CAT with the C on a double-letter square and the T on a double-word square: first (3 × 2) + 1 + 1 = 8, then 8 × 2 = 16 points.
Cross-words: scoring twice
When the tiles you place form more than one word, every new word scores separately, and you add them together. A tile that belongs to two new words counts in both. If that tile sits on a premium square, the premium applies to both words.
Example: an A is on the board, and an I sits one square diagonally away. You place a single X on a triple-letter square in the gap, making AX across and XI down. AX = 1 + (8 × 3) = 25. XI = (8 × 3) + 1 = 25. One tile, 50 points.
This is why the two-letter words matter so much. They let you play alongside existing words and collect several scores at once.
The 50-point bingo
Use all seven tiles from your rack in one turn and you earn a 50-point bonus. In the UK this is often called a "bingo" or a "bonus". Add the 50 after every premium has been applied. The bonus itself is never doubled or tripled.
Example: opening the game with RETAINS across the centre star: 7 points for the letters, doubled by the star to 14, plus 50 = 64 points.
Blank tiles
A blank is always worth 0, even on a double- or triple-letter square. If it sits on a word premium, that premium still multiplies the rest of the word.
Example: ZAX using a blank as the Z: 0 + 1 + 8 = 9 points. Played with the blank on a double-word square, it is 9 × 2 = 18.
End-of-game adjustments
When one player uses their last tile and the bag is empty, the game ends and two adjustments are made:
- Every other player subtracts the value of the tiles left on their rack.
- The player who went out adds the total of everyone else's leftover tiles.
Example: Ana goes out. Ben is holding Q and E (10 + 1 = 11). Cal is holding A and B (1 + 3 = 4). Ben loses 11, Cal loses 4, and Ana gains 11 + 4 = 15.
If the game ends because nobody can move, nobody went out. Everyone simply subtracts their own leftovers.
On the score sheet, add a "tiles left" row and type 11 for Ben and 4 for Cal. Then add a "went out" row and type 15 for Ana. The totals update straight away.
Ties go to the player with the higher score before these adjustments.
A quick checklist for every turn
- List every new word the move forms, including short cross-words.
- For each word, add up the letters, applying letter premiums under newly placed tiles.
- Multiply each word by any word premiums under newly placed tiles.
- Add all the words together.
- Add 50 if all seven tiles were used.
Common questions
How many points is a bingo in Scrabble?
A bingo, which means playing all seven tiles in one turn, earns a 50-point bonus. It is added after all the premium squares have been counted, and it is never doubled or tripled.
How do you work out the score of a Scrabble word?
Add up the letter values, applying any double or triple letter squares first. Then multiply the total by any double or triple word squares. Premium squares only count for tiles you have just placed.
Do you score every word you make in one turn?
Yes. If your tiles also form words in the other direction, each new word scores separately and you add them together. See cross-words.
Does the centre star double the score of the first word?
Yes. The star is a double-word square, so the first word on the board always scores double.
How many points is a blank tile worth?
A blank is worth zero, even on a letter premium square. On a word premium square it still multiplies the rest of the word.
What happens to leftover tiles at the end of a Scrabble game?
Each player subtracts the value of the tiles left on their rack. A player who went out also adds the total of everyone else's leftover tiles. See end-of-game adjustments.
Last reviewed: October 2026.