Best Wordle Starting Words: A Data-Driven Analysis

Choosing the right starting word in Wordle can make the difference between solving in 2 guesses or running out of attempts. We analyzed letter frequency data to find the optimal openers.

Top 10 Starting Words

Based on letter frequency in 5-letter English words:

1. SALET - Contains 5 of the most common letters
2. CRANE - Excellent vowel and consonant coverage
3. SLATE - Popular choice among competitive players
4. CRATE - Good balance of common letters
5. TRACE - Similar coverage to CRATE
6. RAISE - Two vowels plus common consonants
7. ARISE - Anagram of RAISE, equally effective
8. STARE - Classic opener with high success rate
9. SNARE - Includes the important N
10. ADIEU - Maximum vowel coverage (4 vowels!)

The Science Behind Good Starters

Letter Frequency Matters

The most common letters in 5-letter words are:

• E - appears in 46% of words
• A - appears in 39% of words
• R - appears in 34% of words
• O - appears in 29% of words
• T - appears in 29% of words

Position Matters Too

• S is most common in position 1
• A is most common in position 2
• R is most common in position 3
• E is most common in position 4 and 5

Two-Word Strategy

For maximum coverage, try these combinations:

• SALET + CRONY
• CRANE + SMITH
• SLATE + CORNY