Scrabble vs Words With Friends — Key Differences Explained
Scrabble and Words With Friends are both beloved crossword-style word games, but they are not the same game. From their word lists and board layouts to tile values and scoring rules, the differences between these two games matter — especially if you are trying to transfer skills from one to the other, or if you want to know which game suits you better.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Scrabble | Words With Friends |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary used | OTCWL (US) / SOWPODS (UK) | ENABLE-based (proprietary) |
| Board size | 15×15 | 15×15 |
| Number of tiles | 100 | 104 |
| Blank tile count | 2 | 2 |
| Bingo/bonus points | 50 points | 35 points |
| Q tile value | 10 points | 10 points |
| Z tile value | 10 points | 10 points |
| S tile value | 1 point | 1 point |
| Platform | Board game, mobile apps | Mobile app (iOS, Android) |
| Multiplayer mode | In-person, online | Async online |
| Turn timer | Tournament: chess clocks | Optional, usually untimed |
Dictionary Differences
This is the most important practical difference between the two games. Scrabble US (OTCWL) and Scrabble UK (SOWPODS) use their own official word lists maintained by Hasbro and Mattel respectively. Words With Friends uses its own dictionary based on ENABLE. Some words valid in Scrabble are not valid in WWF and vice versa. If you are unsure, always check the specific dictionary using our Word Finder tool with the correct dictionary selected.
Board Layout Differences
Both boards are 15×15 grids, but the premium squares — double letter, triple letter, double word, triple word — are positioned differently. A play that reaches a triple word score on a Scrabble board may land on a completely different square type on a Words With Friends board.
Scoring Differences
The point values of individual letters differ between Scrabble and Words With Friends. Notable differences: S is 0 points in Scrabble but scores in WWF. Bingo bonus is 50 points in Scrabble vs 35 in WWF. These differences affect strategy significantly.
Which Game Should You Play?
Choose Scrabble if:
- • You prefer a classic board game experience
- • You want to play in official tournaments
- • You prefer the traditional physical board game
- • You want strict official rules
Choose Words With Friends if:
- • You want async mobile play on your own schedule
- • You enjoy playing with Facebook friends
- • You prefer a more casual social experience
- • You want regular app updates and game modes