Mahjong Rack Sizes: How to Choose Racks and Pushers for Your Tiles

A mahjong rack does two jobs. It holds your hand upright so only you can see it, and with a pusher it moves your wall toward the center of the table. Racks are not one size fits all, though: a rack that is too short for your tiles is a daily annoyance. Here is how to choose.

Why rack length matters

In American mahjong each player builds a wall of 19 tiles, two high (152 tiles divided by four players is 38 tiles each). The wall sits against your rack, so the rack has to be at least as long as 19 of your tiles placed side by side.

The measuring rule

1. Measure the width of one tile, the short side, in inches.
2. Multiply it by 19.
3. Choose a rack at least that long, with a little room to spare.

For example, tiles about 0.9 inch wide need about 17 inches of rack, so a 17.5 or 18 inch rack fits. Tiles 1 inch wide or more need about 19 inches, which is where a 20 inch rack comes in. Check the tile thickness too: the groove or ledge on the rack has to hold the tile upright.

Common rack lengths

• 17 to 18 inches: for narrower tiles and travel-friendly racks.
• 20 inches: the safer choice for wider or "large" tiles.

Our racks currently range from 17 to 20 inches, and every listing gives the length in the title.

How pushers work

A pusher is an arm along the front of the rack. When it is time to deal, you use it to push your wall forward so the other players can reach it. On a 2-in-1 rack the pusher is built in. On racks with magnetic pushers, magnets hold the arm in place while you play and let it come away cleanly. See all racks with magnetic pushers.

Wood, acrylic or tortoiseshell?

• Wooden racks are heavier, so they sit steadily on the mat.
• Acrylic racks are lighter, wipe clean and come in clear, tortoiseshell, pearl and colored finishes.
• Scalloped and wave-edge racks have a curved top edge that makes tiles easier to pick up.

How to use a rack and pusher

1. Place your rack on the mat in front of you with the pusher arm facing the center of the table.
2. Build your wall of 19 tiles, two high, along the pusher arm.
3. When the deal starts, use the arm to slide the wall forward so the other players can draw from it.
4. Stand your hand on the rack's ledge, facing you.

Caring for your racks

Wipe racks with a soft, damp cloth. On acrylic, avoid alcohol, ammonia and other strong cleaners, which can cloud or crack the surface. Keep wooden racks away from heat and standing water.

One rack or a set of four?

Each player needs a rack, so most tables use four. Some listings are a set of four and some are a single rack, so read the title and the options before you add to cart.

Quick checklist

• Tile width x 19 is less than the rack length.
• The rack ledge fits your tile thickness.
• Pusher style: built in or magnetic.
• Material and finish you like.
• Single rack or set of four.

Frequently asked questions

Do mahjong racks fit any tiles?

No. Racks are made for a tile size, so a rack that suits standard tiles may be too short for large tiles or too tall for mini tiles. Measure first.

Do I need pushers?

You can push a wall by hand, but a pusher keeps the wall straight and makes the deal faster, which is why almost every American player uses one.

What does "racks for large tiles" mean?

Longer racks, usually 20 inches, with a ledge deep enough for thicker tiles.

Not sure? E-mail us your tile measurements at support@erafav.com and we will check the fit, or browse all mahjong racks and pushers. Next, see our mahjong mat size guide.