Scattergories Letter Generator
Roll the round letter, get 12 random categories and start the clock. Fill in an answer for each category before time runs out.
Category Round Builder
Pick a letter set and a round length, then roll. Letters are not repeated within a session until every letter in the set has been used.
Letters used this session: none.
Standard generator set up like the 20-letter die
Click Generate to create random letters
Alphabet Highlight
Letter Grid
The Round Letter Decides Everything
In a category game, every player has to answer with the same starting letter, so picking the letter at random is what keeps the round fair.
Scattergories is played in rounds. A letter is rolled, a timer starts, and each player writes one answer per category that starts with that letter. Answers that no other player wrote score points. The classic 20-sided die leaves out Q, U, V, X, Y and Z because answers starting with those letters are very hard to find.
The builder starts with that 20-letter set. Switch to the full alphabet for a harder game in which a Z or X round can happen.
| Pool | Letters | Chance per letter | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-letter die set | 20 | 5.0% | Standard play |
| Full alphabet | 26 | 3.85% | Experienced players |
| Family set (also drops J and K) | 18 | 5.6% | Younger players |
- Category game
- 20-sided die
- Round letter
Twelve Categories Per Round
Each round gives you 12 categories from a list of more than 40, so lists seldom match from round to round. Categories that seem easy, like "things in a kitchen", get hard with a letter like I. Categories that seem hard, like "famous scientists", can be easy with a C or an N.
- Uniqueness scoring: Only answers that no other player wrote score, so an obvious answer is often worth nothing.
- Alliteration: Many house rules give a bonus point for each extra word starting with the letter, such as "Purple Plum Pudding" for P.
- Challenges: If the table votes an answer out, it scores zero. Decide how votes work before the first round.
- Scoring
- House rules
- Party game
Choosing the Right Round Length
A standard round with 12 categories lasts about three minutes, which gives around 15 seconds per category. Two minutes makes the game feel rushed, which suits experienced players. One minute works for quick warm-ups or classroom starters with fewer categories. The clock turns red for the last ten seconds and shows "Pens down" when time runs out.
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No Repeats
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Scattergories Letter Generator Questions
Which letters are on the classic Scattergories die?
The classic 20-sided die leaves out Q, U, V, X, Y and Z. The 20-letter set in this tool uses the other 20 letters.
Can the same round letter come up twice?
Not until every letter in the chosen set has been used. After that, the set refills automatically.
How many categories does each round have?
Twelve, picked at random from a list of more than 40. Press New categories to swap the list without changing the letter.
How long is a round?
Choose 1, 2 or 3 minutes. Three minutes is the usual length for a 12-category list.
Can we play on one phone?
Yes. One person rolls and runs the timer, and everyone writes answers on paper.
Is this tool made by the makers of Scattergories?
No. Scattergories is a trademark of Hasbro. This is an independent letter and category picker for category-style word games.