Short Domain Names
How to find memorable domains with 5 or fewer characters
Finding Available Short Domains
X.com, Uber, Zoom, Yelp, Etsy, Lyft. The most memorable tech brands share one trait: brevity. Short domains are harder to find but worth the effort for brands that grow through word-of-mouth.
The math works against you. Only 26 single-letter .coms exist, 676 two-letter combinations, and 17,576 three-letter combinations. All were registered decades ago. Finding availability requires strategy.
Five Strategies That Work
1. Look for pronounceable 4-5 letter combinations: Not all letter combinations are equal. CVCV patterns (consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel) like "Hulu" or "Yelp" are both short and speakable. Random consonant clusters like "xmpt" are technically short but unusable.
2. Consider alternative TLDs: While all 3-letter .coms are taken, many short combinations remain available in .io, .co, .ai, and country codes. A 4-letter .io may be more attainable than a 4-letter .com.
3. Monitor expired domain auctions: Short domains occasionally become available when registrations lapse. Services like ExpiredDomains.net track these. Set alerts for your target length and patterns.
4. Use domain generators strategically: Most generators produce long combinations by default. Filter results by character count. Look for generators that specifically target short domain availability.
5. Explore premium marketplaces: Short domains that are technically "available" through premium channels cost more but save time. Sedo, Afternic, and Dan.com list short domains with clear pricing.
The Economics of Short Domains
Standard registration runs $10-15 per year for most TLDs. Short domains command premiums based on scarcity. A random 4-letter .com might cost $500-5,000. Pronounceable 4-letter .coms start around $10,000. Three-letter .coms rarely sell under $50,000.
Alternative TLDs change this equation. A 4-letter .io might cost standard registration ($30-60/year) while its .com equivalent costs thousands on the secondary market. Weigh TLD perception against your budget.
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Prioritize pronounceability over pure brevity
- Test the domain verbally before committing
- Consider alternative TLDs for more options
- Set a realistic budget for premium short domains
Don't
- Use random consonant clusters that can't be spoken
- Substitute numbers for letters (3 for E, 4 for A)
- Assume shorter is always better - 6-8 letters works fine
- Pay premium prices without checking trademark conflicts
Find Your Perfect Domain
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Try DecideDomain FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Are all 3-letter .com domains taken?
Yes, all 3-letter .com domains were registered by the late 1990s. However, many are available for purchase on secondary markets, though prices range from $1,000 to $500,000+ depending on the letters. Alternative TLDs like .io, .co, and .ai still have 3-letter options available at standard registration prices.
What's the ideal domain name length?
The ideal length is 6-14 characters. Under 6 characters is premium territory and hard to find. Over 14 characters becomes difficult to remember and type. Most successful startups fall in the 4-8 character range: Uber (4), Slack (5), Google (6), Twitter (7), Facebook (8).
Should I use numbers in a short domain?
Numbers can work if they're meaningful. 37signals, 500px, and 99designs all built successful brands. Avoid random numbers or substituting numbers for letters (like 3 for E). People struggle to remember whether to type the numeral or spell it out.
Is a short domain worth the premium price?
For consumer brands that rely on word-of-mouth, a short domain pays dividends every time someone shares your URL verbally. For B2B companies where most traffic comes from search or direct links, the premium may not be justified. Consider your acquisition channels when deciding.