Words loaded with Z, Q, J and X score highest under standard tile values. At seven letters, ZYZZYVA tops our list at 43 points before any bonus squares, and its plural ZYZZYVAS leads the eight letter field at 44.
Top seven letter words by raw tile value
| Word | Base tile value |
|---|---|
| ZYZZYVA | 43 |
| PIZAZZY | 39 |
| JAZZILY | 35 |
| QUIZZED | 35 |
| ZIZZLED | 35 |
| JAZZMAN | 34 |
| QUIZZER | 34 |
| QUIZZES | 34 |
Top eight letter words by raw tile value
| Word | Base tile value |
|---|---|
| ZYZZYVAS | 44 |
| BEZAZZES | 37 |
| JAZZLIKE | 37 |
| PAZAZZES | 37 |
| PIZAZZES | 37 |
| QUIZZING | 36 |
| ZIZZLING | 36 |
These are base tile values only, added up letter by letter with no board bonuses included. A real play's final score depends heavily on which double or triple letter and word squares it lands on, which can easily double or triple these numbers.
Why Z and Q words dominate this list
Standard tile values weight rare letters heavily: Z and Q are both worth ten points each, Q is worth ten as well in most sets used outside North America, and J and X sit at eight. A word that manages to pack two or three of those letters together, like ZYZZYVA with its two Z's and two Y's, racks up points fast even before it touches a bonus square.
Is ZYZZYVA actually a real playable word?
Yes, it's a genus of tropical weevil, and it's valid in the ENABLE word list this site runs on. It's also become something of a running joke among Scrabble players since it's often the very last word in a printed dictionary, alphabetically speaking.
Finding your own high scoring plays
Rather than memorizing a fixed list, run your actual rack through our Word Unscrambler. Every result shows its tile value right on the chip, and the Highest-value plays row at the top of your results pulls out the best scoring options across every word length automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What are the standard Scrabble letter values?
Most letters are worth one to four points. Less common letters score higher: J and X are worth eight, Q and Z are worth ten, and the blank tile is worth zero regardless of which letter it represents.
Is ZYZZYVA really a word people can play?
Yes, it refers to a genus of weevil and appears in the ENABLE word list, though whether your specific game or dictionary allows it depends on which official word list you're playing with.
Do these scores include double or triple word bonuses?
No, the numbers here are raw tile values only, added up letter by letter. Board bonuses can multiply the final score well beyond these base numbers.
What's the single highest value letter in Scrabble?
Q and Z, both worth ten points in the standard North American set. Some regional sets vary slightly.
How can I find high scoring words from my own rack?
Type your letters into our Word Unscrambler. Each result shows its tile value, and the highest scoring options are pulled out separately near the top of the results.
Related reading
Every Two Letter Scrabble Word: The Complete List
The complete list of two letter words valid in our word game dictionary, essential for parallel plays and tight endgame positions in Scrabble and Words with Friends.
ScrabbleWords With Q But No U: A Real List For Word Games
Every word in our dictionary containing Q without a following U. Essential knowledge for Scrabble and Words with Friends when U isn't available.
ScrabbleHigh Value J And Z Words For Scrabble And Words With Friends
A practical list of high scoring words built around J and Z, two of the highest value letters in tile based word games.