Question 1

How do I use a mahjong calculator?

Accepted Answer

Select 13 tiles for tenpai analysis or 14 tiles for discard analysis, enter your hand, and click Start Analysis. Mahjong Lab shows shanten, waiting tiles, effective draws, and recommended discards instantly.

Question 2

How do you calculate shanten?

Accepted Answer

Shanten counts how many effective swaps your hand needs to reach tenpai. 0 shanten means tenpai (ready to win). Mahjong Lab calculates shanten for standard, seven-pairs, and thirteen-orphans forms automatically.

Question 3

How do I find mahjong waiting tiles?

Accepted Answer

Use 13-tile Normal Analysis mode. After you enter 13 tiles, the calculator lists every tile that completes your hand or improves your wait, including multi-sided and complex waits.

Question 4

How do I find the best discard?

Accepted Answer

Use 14-tile Discard Analysis mode. The calculator compares each possible discard and shows shanten and acceptance after every cut, so you can pick the most efficient tile to discard.

Question 5

What's the difference between 13-tile and 14-tile analysis?

Accepted Answer

13-tile mode analyzes tenpai: shanten, waiting tiles, and effective draws. 14-tile mode analyzes discard efficiency: which tile to cut for the widest waits and fastest tenpai.

Mahjong Hand Calculator

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Hand Tiles

Mahjong Calculator FAQ

Mahjong Hand Calculator

Select Hand Type

Hand Tiles

Mahjong Calculator FAQ