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Verbal Reasoning · Codes and sequences
Letter sums
A free preview from the Athena Learning Library — the same lesson registered students learn from.
In this lesson: Add letter values (A = 1 to Z = 26) to find word totals, matches and differences.
The idea
In a letter sum, you add up the alphabet positions of all the letters in a word. Use A = 1, B = 2, C = 3 and so on up to Z = 26. The word CAT has a total of 3 + 1 + 20 = 24, because C is 3, A is 1 and T is 20.
Work letter by letter and write a running total so an early slip does not spoil everything. Grouping numbers that make ten can speed you up: pair a 4 with a 6, or a 15 with a 5. Useful anchors are E = 5, J = 10, O = 15, T = 20 and Z = 26.
Questions may ask you for a total, for the difference between two words, or for which of two words has the greater sum. Calculate each word separately first, label the totals clearly, and only then compare or subtract. Recheck any letter with a high value, such as O, S or T.
Worked example
What is the letter sum of DOG, using A = 1 to Z = 26?
- D = 4 and O = 15, giving a running total of 4 + 15 = 19.
- G = 7.
- Add the last letter: 19 + 7 = 26.
Answer: 26
Watch out
- Using a wrong letter value, especially O, which is 15, not 14.
- Forgetting to add one of the letters in a longer word.
- Comparing two words before working out each total separately.
Quick check
Try these on your own first — then reveal each answer.
1. What is the letter sum of BED?
2. Which word has the greater letter sum: CAT or DOG?
Practise this concept
Reading is the first step — the concept sticks when your child answers questions on it. Registered students practise graded questions for this lesson, with instant marking and worked explanations, and the lesson is marked complete in their progress.