Tile sizes, explained

The number that matters is height

Tiles are described by their height (the long edge when standing): standard American tiles are about 1.25 in (roughly 32 mm); large Chinese tiles reach 1.6 in (40 mm); Riichi tiles are deliberately slim for fast handling; mini travel tiles shrink everything by about a third.

Why American tiles are the size they are

American tiles must stand in a rack, be hidden from opponents, and carry both a Chinese character or symbol and a Western index — the small numeral or letter in the corner. That index is non-negotiable for most US groups: it is how players who don't read characters call tiles confidently.

Who should buy large

Large tiles help three groups: players with low vision, players with grip or dexterity limits, and hosts of big tables where tiles are read from farther away. Linda Li's enlarged Artisan tiles and YMI's large Chinese tiles exist for exactly this. The trade-off is weight — a large-tile set is a heavier carry.

Mini tiles are a second-set purchase

Mini travel sets (like the Mini Anywhere at $210) keep the full game but shrink the faces. They are wonderful on trains and patios and frustrating as a group's only set. Buy full size first; miniaturise second.