Entropy

Definition

In Wordle, entropy quantifies how uncertain you are about the answer given what you know. High entropy means many roughly equally likely candidates; low entropy means the field has narrowed. Each guess aims to reduce entropy as much as possible.

Why it matters

Entropy gives a precise way to compare guesses. The guess that produces the largest expected drop in entropy is, on average, the best information move available.

Examples

• With 2,300 possible answers, entropy is high; after a strong opener it typically falls sharply.
• Two guesses can both be valid words yet differ greatly in the entropy they remove.

Best practices

• Pick guesses that most evenly split the remaining candidates.
• Do not confuse low entropy with certainty — keep verifying.

Frequently asked