How Many Domain Names Are Possible by Length? And Why Short Domains Are Extremely Rare
One of the most important factors that affects a domain name’s value is its length. The shorter the domain, the rarer and more valuable it usually becomes.
But have you ever wondered how many domain names are actually possible for each number of letters? In this article, we will break it down with simple math and explain what it really means for domain investors.
How Are Domain Name Combinations Calculated?
For simplicity and accuracy, we will base our calculations on the following assumptions:
- Only English letters are used (a–z)
- No numbers or special characters
- Exact character length (not less or more)
The English alphabet has 26 letters. To calculate the total possible domain combinations, we multiply 26 by itself based on the number of characters.
Maximum Number of Domains by Length
| Domain Length | Maximum Possible Domains |
|---|---|
| 2 letters | 676 |
| 3 letters | 17,576 |
| 4 letters | 456,976 |
| 5 letters | 11,881,376 |
Why Are Short Domains So Rare?
When you look at the numbers, the reason becomes very clear:
- 2-letter .com domains are limited to only 676 total possibilities worldwide.
- 3-letter .com domains are also very limited, with just 17,576 combinations.
Most of these domains were registered decades ago and are now owned by corporations, investors, or large brands. That is why acquiring them today usually requires very high budgets.
What Does This Mean for Domain Investors?
If you are new to domain investing, chasing 2-letter or 3-letter domains is usually unrealistic.
Instead, smarter opportunities exist in:
- 4-letter domains that are pronounceable or brandable
- 5-letter domains that sound natural and are easy to remember
These categories still offer scarcity, branding potential, and realistic entry prices.
Are There Still Opportunities Today?
Yes, but success in domain investing comes from understanding numbers, scarcity, and market demand.
Shorter domains will always be more desirable, but value is not only about length. A strong brandable name can outperform a short but meaningless combination.