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Mahjong tiles

Mahjong tiles are the illustrated tiles used to play mahjong and related games such as mahjong solitaire.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mahjong tiles are the illustrated tiles used to play mahjong and related games such as mahjong solitaire. They originated in China and are commonly produced as matched sets of 136 or 144 tiles, depending on the ruleset and whether optional flower or season tiles are included.

Overview

Mahjong tiles are rectangular game pieces originating in China. They are used in mahjong and related games, and are identified by suits, honour tiles, and optional special tiles.

Tile set composition

Traditional sets include three suited groups, winds, dragons, and sometimes flowers or seasons. The exact tile count varies by ruleset, but 136 and 144 are common totals.

Materials and manufacture

Historically, mahjong tiles were made from materials such as bone, bamboo, ivory, or wood. Modern production is usually plastic, reflecting changes in mass manufacture and durability.

Regional variations

Different mahjong traditions use different tile counts and rule sets. Some versions also include cards or other substitutes, but the term most often refers to the familiar tile set.

Key facts

  • Mahjong tiles are the physical components used to play mahjong and some related tile games.
  • Standard sets usually include three suited groups and honour tiles, with optional flower or season tiles in some rulesets.
  • A common full set has 136 tiles without flowers or seasons and 144 tiles with them.
  • Modern sets are usually made of plastic, while older sets were often made from bone, bamboo, or ivory.
  • The tiles’ designs use Chinese characters and symbols and vary by regional game tradition.
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Canadian context

Mahjong tiles are used by Canadian mahjong clubs, community groups, and home players, particularly in cities with large East Asian communities.

Frequently asked questions

What are mahjong tiles?
They are the marked tiles used to play mahjong and related games, usually arranged in suits and honour tiles.
How many tiles are in a mahjong set?
Common sets contain 136 or 144 tiles, depending on whether optional flower or season tiles are included.
What are the main types of mahjong tiles?
The main groups are suited tiles, winds, dragons, and optional flower or season tiles.
What are mahjong tiles made of?
Older sets were often made of bone, bamboo, ivory, or wood; modern sets are usually plastic.
Do all mahjong games use the same tiles?
No. Tile counts and included special tiles vary by regional rule set and game tradition.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahjong_tiles
    Supports: General identification of mahjong tiles, names, and use in mahjong and related games.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/mah-jongg
    Supports: Tile set composition, common totals of 136 or 144, materials, and suits/honours.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahjong
    Supports: Standard tile counts, honour tiles, and general set composition.